Wheel Bearings - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

KStromberg · 04-10-2010, 00:08

I would like to replace the wheel bearings on a 2003 Ford Explorer and just need some pointers. We need to replace the front right bearing and both of the rear bearings. Can anyone tell me what size the spindle nuts are and the torque specs? Do the rears require more work? Do they need to be pressed in?

Thanks!

Kirk

**360ci** · 04-10-2010, 12:00

I can't give you the tech specs, but if I were you I'd invest $20 and buy a haynes repair manual, they're quire intuitive when it comes to maintenance/part replacement procedures.

New bearings are sealed units these days. For bearings, stay away from the dealer, as you'll get a good wallet-raping. Timken makes great products and I've had good luck with them for a long time: Variations Root Page if you contact them with your vehicle info I'm sure they'll hook you up at a more than reasonable price.

KStromberg · 04-10-2010, 12:13

Thanks. It's actually for my buddy's Explorer. I have a Chiltons for my car so I agree with you on that concept. I figured the bearings were all in the one hub assembly as a unit but just wanted to verify. I have done front wheel bearings on my Mark VIII and my other friend's 94 Dodge Dynasty so it is no new concept to me. What I HAVEN'T done is rear bearings which is my largest concern because I have heard that a lot of times they need to be pressed in.

I guess the real question to be addressed is the rear bearings. I have confidence the fronts will be cake. I just thought I may get lucky on here and get spindle nut sizes and torque specs. I did my Mark VIII strictly from a tech article on the forum I frequent.

Thanks again!

**360ci** · 04-10-2010, 12:59

You're more than welcome.

Come to think of it, I can't recall replacing a rear wheel bearing on ANY of my vehicles. When I sold my old Dodge Spirit for scrap metal, I had over 420,000kms on it and the rear bearings were never touched. I did keep the car in excellent balance and alignment in regard to tire/tire wear. I imagine that had something to do with it. However, it needed a new head gasket every 80-100,000kms; routine maintenance with those vehicles (2.5L I4 3 speed auto).

**jwko** · 04-10-2010, 16:57

Is it 2WD or 4WD?

KStromberg · 04-10-2010, 18:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwko

Is it 2WD or 4WD?

It is 4WD.

**jwko** · 04-10-2010, 19:25

Front

Quote:

Never reuse the wheel hub nut and washer. This nut is a torque prevailing design and cannot be reused.

Hub washer and nut and tighten to 157-213 ft. lbs. (212-288 Nm)

For the rear, use a slide hammer to remove the bearing. Use a bearing driver & hammer to install. Be sure to check for wear on the axle where the bearing rides.

Bearing Removal;

Bearing Installation

Seal Installation

# For limited slip rear axles, use SAE 75W-140 High Performance Rear Axle Lubricant F1TZ-19580-B or equivalent meeting Ford specification WSL-M2C192-A.

# For conventional rear axles, use SAE 80W-90 Premium Rear Axle Lubricant XY-80W90-QL or equivalent meeting Ford specification WSP-M2C197-A.

KStromberg · 04-10-2010, 19:44

Thanks dude. That helps a lot!

Do you think that I am going to lose a lot of fluid when doing this job?

**jwko** · 04-10-2010, 20:01

Yes. You will have to pull the differential cover to do this job.

If you have not done this before, I highly recommend you buy a manual before trying this job.

**jwko** · 04-10-2010, 20:04

This will give you a general idea of what your gonna have to do to remove the axles. This is illustrations is for a Jeep, don't have anything on a Explorer.

http://www.stu-offroad.com/axle/d35/d35-1.htm