Notices
Explorer, Sport Trac, Mountaineer & Aviator 1991-1994, 1995-2001, 2002-2005, 2006-2010 Ford Explorer

03 Explorer 4WD Front Bearing Replacement....simple enough?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jan 5, 2009 | 08:25 AM
  #1  
devozoo's Avatar
devozoo
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
03 Explorer 4WD Front Bearing Replacement....simple enough?

Just a quick question. I've looked through other threads and can't find this answer. Maybe someone can point me to it. I need to replace the front bearings on my Explorer. Is this pretty basic? Can someone lay out the steps for me? I've done ball joints, tie rod ends, and the like on my truck before. I didn't know if this was difficult or not being 4WD. thanks.

Matt
 
Reply
Old Jan 5, 2009 | 11:39 AM
  #2  
5.0B2's Avatar
5.0B2
Senior User
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 349
Likes: 1
From: Helena,MT
Not so simple, I believe they are integal with the knuckle and have to be replaced as a unit.
 
Reply
Old Jan 5, 2009 | 08:58 PM
  #3  
steve(ill)'s Avatar
steve(ill)
Hotshot
20 Year Member
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 11,931
Likes: 180
the bearing and wheel hub with the 5 studs are made into a unit. it pushes into the knuckel and 3 big bolts are loctite them together from the back side. the axle stub pushes thru the middle of the bearing/ hub into the splines and the nut goes on the outside and torque to pull it all together. if you take the nut loose and push the alxe shaft inward an inch, it will move the CV joint back away from the knuckle enough to get a box wrench on the 3 bolt heads. after the 3 bolts are out the bearing/ hub is easlily removed. getting the 3 bolts out is a joke. need a good hex box wrench and a 5 pound hammer to smack it. i have a special Craftsman 6 point box wrench i use. I think its 15 mm.--- before you start you take off the wheel/ tire, brake calilper, brake disc and disconnect the ABS wire.
 
Reply
Old Jan 5, 2009 | 09:07 PM
  #4  
steve(ill)'s Avatar
steve(ill)
Hotshot
20 Year Member
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 11,931
Likes: 180
the link below shows how to put ball joints on a F150, but a couple of the photos showing the alxe nut, pushing back the CV joint, etc, are good photos. Instead of knocking off the ball joints to remove the knuckle, you are going to reach behind the knuckle and remove the 3 bolts holding the hub into the knuckle.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/3...f-150-4x4.html
 
Reply
Old Jan 5, 2009 | 09:21 PM
  #5  
steve(ill)'s Avatar
steve(ill)
Hotshot
20 Year Member
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 11,931
Likes: 180
here is a good photo showing where the 3 bolts screw into the hub. the axle slides thru the splines and the retainer nut goes on the outside. you can see the ABS wire- probe mounted into the hub.

eBay Motors: 02 03 04 05 Ford Explorer FRONT wheel hub bearing assem (item 350139474252 end time Jan-10-09 19:23:13 PST)
 
Reply
Old Jan 6, 2009 | 07:17 AM
  #6  
devozoo's Avatar
devozoo
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
This is great info, thanks.

Can anyone tell me for sure what size the axle nut is? It's a 4WD 03 Explorer. I need to pick up a big socket at lunch today. Plan on doing this job tonight. Thanks!!

Matt
 
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:56 PM.

story-0
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-1
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-3
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-5
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE
story-7
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

And it might be even better than that.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-18 19:26:42


VIEW MORE
story-8
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

Slideshow: Does lowering an F-150 Lobo RUIN the ride quality?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-18 19:20:37


VIEW MORE
story-9
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Slideshow: Ford's bizarre fishing-themed Explorer concept has resurfaced after spending decades largely forgotten.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:07:46


VIEW MORE