I was servicing my truck over the weekend, and found one front wheel was a bit loose. I checked the ball joints and they are good. It appears like the wheel bearings are slightly loose. They do not make any noise, and are not rough, but probably need to be replaced.
I am assuming that these are non-servicable, and will need to be replaced as a unit. Does anyone know of a web site that details the R&R of front bearings ? How about cost ?

Also, I have been having problems with my ESOF. I am planning on replacing the o-rings and the knuckle seals. The seals are rather expensive, and many web sites claim you need a special tool to install them. I hate to pay the price for a specialized tool for one use. I was wondering if any one out there might have a tool they used once and want to sell.

Thanks
Pete
2000 F350 4X4 SD 4dr LB (translation = Hard to park)
6.8 V-10
"Best truck I ever owned"

 

One Knuckle Seal Tool ......

About $10 of pipe from the hardware store:

1. 1 1/4" x 8" galvanized pipe
2. 1 1/4" flange
3. 1 1/4" cap



This is from the ball joint replacement thread on this forum. I built this tool and it works perfectly.

Yes, hub and bearing are one assembly, that has to be replaced together. Many aftermarkets are available, for different price ranges.

Good luck.

 

Jim59
Thanks for the info.
I thought about making a tool of my own, but there was some question on depth of the seal. The "official $200" tool pictured with the seals has a stop so the seal gets installed at the proper depth. In most applications there is some sort of step or shoulder to stop the seal, but it looked like this bore must be straight, and the seal needs to be pressed in square, and to a specific depth without the benefit of a shoulder.
Sorry for all the questions, but I have found that asking a few questions up front will save the wallet in the future.
Thanks
Pete

 

You're smart to ask questions ..... so the job gets done right.

The seal needs to bottom out on the axle ........

Here is RacerGuy's most excellent write-up on changing ball joints, with photos. Many people have used these instructions to do the job, including me, and I believe it to be correct ... https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/3...ll-joints.html

Hope this helps a little.

(btw, I have a crewcab LWB "hard parker" like you. Parking lots do seperate the men from the boys, lol. I'm always popping up curbs, etc in drive-thru lanes.)