wheel bearing
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Junior User
Joined: Nov 2006
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wheel bearing
what kind of job am i in for, on a 1998 explorer 4x4 with auto locking hubs changing the front and rear wheel bearings? also changing the tranny fluid and filter, and does ford have a additive for the transfer case? thanks.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2005
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the bearings are sealed units and made into the wheel hubs. the front cost over $100 each, if you get a good buy. The rear of my 2002 has indenpendant suspension and is similar to the front. I think the 98 is the standard rear alxe used for years. I would not consider changing bearing unless a problem develops.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
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Originally Posted by steve(ill)
I would not consider changing bearing unless a problem develops.
For the record, the front hub and bearing assembly is easy to replace. I am told that once the bolts have been removed, the assembly can be separated from the axle shaft with a hammer. However, I opted to purchase a special puller from Snap-On, which cost around $35.
Be SURE to use a new nut when installing the new assembly - the old one can't be reused. The Ford factory manual makes this point pretty forcefully. The nut is available from Ford for about $15. The hub and bearing assembly itself cost me around $165 from NAPA, with my AAA discount. The Motorcraft part is well over $200.
Cheers!
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2006
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You have a solid rear axle, which means to replace the rear bearings you must remove the axles, pop the seal out, and use a slide hammer to force the bearing out of the axle tube.... these bearings typically don't fail unless they are run dry. In other words, if they aren't making noise or have excessive play (rare with these), don't replace them.
The fronts are a sealed hub/bearing assembly and unless play or noise exists do not require service or replacement. Not so hard to replace, but very costly, especially if you have four wheel ABS, like Kevin said, $150-250 EACH just for the part.
The fronts are a sealed hub/bearing assembly and unless play or noise exists do not require service or replacement. Not so hard to replace, but very costly, especially if you have four wheel ABS, like Kevin said, $150-250 EACH just for the part.
