How to Replace Wheel Bearing & Hub Assembly 95-01 Ford Explorer
Difficulty: Advanced · About 100 min · Ford Explorer
Replace the wheel bearing and hub assembly, including the brakes, on a 1995-2001 Ford Explorer.
Tools you will need
- 32mm socket
- 13mm socket
- Flat blade screwdriver
- 15mm socket
- Jack stands
- 8mm socket
- 19mm socket
- Ratchet
- Floor jack
- Needle-nose pliers
Parts and supplies
- Wheel bearing and hub assembly
Steps
- Remove the wheel
With the car still on the ground, loosen the center hub nut with a 32mm socket, loosen the lug nuts, raise the car, remove the lug nuts with a 19mm socket, then remove the wheel.
- Remove the brakes
Remove the 13mm and 15mm bolts holding the caliper and bracket, tie the caliper out of the way and set the bracket aside, remove the rotor, remove the dust shield's three 8mm bolts, then disconnect the ABS wiring harness with a 5mm Allen wrench.
- Remove the old hub
Use an axle puller or a light tap with a small hammer to free it from the axle, remove the three 15mm bolts (penetrant and a breaker bar or pipe help), then remove the hub and clean the area with a wire brush.
- Install the new hub
Position it on the axle, insert the three 15mm bolts and tighten them to about 70 ft-lb, reinstall the wiring harness and clip it to the frame, then refit the dust shield and its three 8mm bolts.
- Reinstall the brakes and wheel
Refit the rotor, bracket and caliper, replace the lug nuts in a star pattern and torque them to about 90-100 ft-lb, torque the hub nut to about 157-213 ft-lb, then check the brakes and steering and have the car aligned before driving normally.
Check your vehicle’s repair manual for exact specifications and fit.