Changing Front Wheel Bearings

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Jan 22, 2007 | 08:36 PM

jvaski

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Changing Front Wheel Bearings

Have a 98' F150 4WD. What is the proceedure for changing the front wheel bearings ? Are there special tools required ? Is it a whole sealed hub unit that gets replaced ?
Thanks, JA

Jan 22, 2007 | 09:13 PM

Bluegrass 7

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The most difficult part is removing the beaing cups and installing the new ones.
For that there are tools and a draw bolt to use.
It might be of help to warm the hub without getting it so hot that damage is done.
Makes the cups move much eaiser in the bores.
The rest is standard diss and reassembly using care, new seals etc.
Good luck.

Jan 22, 2007 | 10:07 PM

jvaski

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wheel bearings hub assembly

Thanks Bluegrass , But after looing up the parts on-line, it looks like the bearings come already installed in a whole hub assembly ?????
Looks like the bearings are a sealed unit ?

Last edited by jvaski; Jan 22, 2007 at 10:40 PM.

Jan 22, 2007 | 11:30 PM

7700Rob

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From: Syracuse

They are a hub and bearing assembly, it's not a bad job, though pricey, it is. Put the truck up on jack stands, and remove the tire(s). Remove the axle nut (can't remember the size). Remove the brake caliper and bracket, and the three bolts holding the hub in place. The hub will probably need to be "persuaded" to come out, whether you use a thin chisel to pry it , or beat it out from the back side. Push the axle through the hub while working the hub out of the spindle.

Jan 23, 2007 | 12:11 AM

jvaski

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Hub removal

Yea Rob, That's the way I thought it disassembled. Thank you for confirming that. Looks like the Hub/bearings run about $170 each. Now I'm ready to tackle it. Thanks again. JA

Oct 18, 2007 | 11:54 AM

mdpitt

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From: New Brunswick Canada

Do you need an alignment after doing this or not really?
Also so to confirm I don’t have to pack bearing with grease as it sealed?

Oct 18, 2007 | 04:41 PM

steve(ill)

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bearing hub are a sealed unit. no you dont grease, alxe nut is deep well 32 mm socket. brake caliper holder is 18mm box end wrench that is good enough to beat with a 5 pound hammer. three bolts holding the hub on are 15mm box end wrench that you can REALLY beat on with a 5 pound hammer. take the alxe nut off first and push axle intoward cener 1/2 inch to get extra clearance for 15mm wrench on the hub bolts... no alignment needed... if you need lower ball joints, now is the time.