Remove the wheel bearing/hub assembly from the

Jeff is describing how to replace the front wheel bearings. In the front, the bearing is part of a "hub cartridge". Randy is describing how to change the rear bearings on a truck with a "dead" rear axle. The sort of differential which is one massive cast iron assembly from rim to rim. However, your truck has an IRS [Independent Rear Suspension] design. You need to remove the wheels, brakes & the complete rear knuckle assembly. To remove the bearing from the knuckle requires a hydraulic press and a "knife edge" bearing removal tool. I doubt that you have these tools available. If not, find an auto parts store or auto machine shop with these tools. They can press the old bearing out and install the new one for you. Then you can reassemble the knuckle assembly from that point on. The video linked below should help you.


Ford Explorer Independent Rear Suspension Rear Wheel Bearing and Hub...


With the knuckle off, you can easily replace the ball joints at the same time. Odds are you will ruin the original ball joints getting the knuckle assembly off, anyway.

Removal

1. Raise and support the vehicle.
2. Remove the wheel and tire assembly.
3. Remove the brake caliper, caliper anchor, rotor and ABS wheel speed sensor.
4. Remove the cotter pin, nut retainer and axle hub nut.
5. Remove the hub/bearing mounting bolts from the back of the steering knuckle. Remove hub/bearing from the steering knuckle and off the axle shaft.

Installation

1. Install the hub/bearing to the knuckle.
2. Install the hub/bearing-to-knuckle bolts and tighten to specification.
3. Install the hub washer and nut. Tighten the hub nut to specification. Install the nut retainer and a new cotter pin.
4. Install the brake rotor, caliper anchor, caliper and ABS wheel speed sensor.
5. Install the wheel and tire assembly.
6. Remove the support and lower the vehicle.

REMOVAL & INSTALLATION Except Miata FRONT

1. Before servicing the vehicle, refer to the precautions in the beginning of this section.
2. Remove or disconnect the following:
   • Steering knuckle from the vehicle
   • Inner oil seal from the knuckle
3. Using Mazda Hub Puller tools 49 G033 102, 49 G033 104 and 49 G033 105, pull the front wheel hub from the knuckle assembly.
4. Remove or disconnect the following:
   • Bearing inner race from the front wheel hub
   • Retaining ring from within the knuckle
   • Front wheel bearing from the knuckle, using the hub puller tools
   • Brake dust shield
5. Clean and inspect all parts but do not wash or clean the wheel bearing. The bearing must be replaced. To install:
   
6. Using Mazda Press tools 49 G033 107 and 49 H026 103, install a new dust shield cover assembly to the knuckle.
7. Using the press tools, press a new wheel bearing into the knuckle assembly.
8. Install or connect the following:
   • Wheel bearing retaining ring
   • New oil seal using Installation tool 49 V001 795
   • Front wheel hub using the Mazda press tools

REAR

1. Before servicing the vehicle, refer to the precautions in the beginning of this section. NOTE: The wheel bearings are not serviceable. If the bearings are bad, a new hub/bearing assembly must be installed.
   
2. Remove or disconnect the following:
   • Rear wheels Fig. 1: Exploded view of the rear wheel hub and bearing assembly (disc brake model shown, drum is similar)
     
     
   • Brake drum, if equipped
   • Rear caliper and rotor assembly from the hub, if equipped
   • Hub dust cover
3. Raise the staked portion of the hub retaining nut with a hammer and chisel.
4. Remove or disconnect the following:
   • Hub retaining nut and discard it
   • Hub and bearing assembly from the spindle Fig. 2: When installing the new hub nut, be sure to stake it into the notch on the spindle
     
   To install:
   
5. Install or connect the following:
   • Bearing assembly on the spindle. Torque the new nut to 131-173 ft. lbs. (177-235 Nm)
   • Stake the nut into the groove in the spindle
   • Dust cover
   • Assemble the brakes
   • Rear wheel

I have a 2002 Escape and have changed my bearings. The 2006 is the same. The front wheel bearings on the Escape are simple cartridge bearings, or Gen1 bearings, that are pressed onto the hub and knuckle. They are not so simple to replace. Unless you have the experience and tools, you'll need to take it to the dealer or a shop.

You will need a press and the correct press tools.
The knuckle/hub assembly needs to be removed from the vehicle.

Here's the short version:
Remove the tire/wheel.
Remove the brake caliper w/ bracket.
Remove rotor.
Remove the ABS sensor.
Remove axle nut and press the axle inwards, until loose. (sometimes easy, usual needs special tool).
Remove the strut bolts, tie rod, and the lower ball joint from the knuckle/hub assembly. Each of these connections can have it's issues.
Press the hub out of the assembly. One half of the inner race will be stuck on the hub. Use a bearing splitter to remove that half.
Remove the snap ring from the knuckle.
Press the rest of the bearing from the knuckle.
Press the new bearing into the knuckle. Press on the outer race only!
Snap ring.
Make sure the dust sheild is still in place.
Press the hub into the bearing. The bearing must be supported on the inner race only!
The point is that you must not press thru the balls in the bearing. That can cause the bearing to get brinnelled.... not good.
Reassemble the knuckle on the vehicle in reverse order. I like to put a little grease on the axle spline. The axle spline has a little helix on it... about half a degree. It's supposed to be a tight fit. The torque on the axle nut is 300Nm (about 220ft-lbs?). This torque is very, very important. It is needed to keep the bearing together and at the correct preload, so use a big torque wrench.

...or you can take it to the dealer.

Good luck. Here are some pictures that may help illustrate the difficulty:

Front (4 Wheel Drive) To Remove:

1. Raise and support the vehicle
2. Remove or disconnect the following:
   • Tire and wheel assembly
   • Rotor (See: Disc Brake Rotor)
   • Wheel speed sensor and brake hose mounting bracket bolt from the steering knuckle
   • Electrical connection for the wheel speed sensor
   • Front drive halfshaft assembly (See: Halfshaft)
   • Hub and bearing assembly mounting bolts 4WD front hub
     
     
   • Hub and bearing assembly

To Install:

1. Clean all corrosion or contaminates from the steering knuckle bore and the hub and bearing assembly
2. Lubricate the steering knuckle bore with wheel bearing grease or the equivalent
3. Install or connect the following:
   • Hub and bearing assembly
   • Hub and bearing assembly mounting bolts and tighten the hub to knuckle bolts; Torque to: 133 ft. lbs. (180 Nm)
   • Front drive halfshaft assembly (See: Halfshaft)
   • Electrical connection for the wheel speed sensor
   • Wheel speed sensor and brake hose mounting bracket bolt to the steering knuckle and tighten the bolt; Torque to: 106 inch. lbs. (12 Nm)
   • Rotor (See: Disc Brake Rotor
   • Tire and wheel assembly
   Wheel lug nut tightening sequence
   
   
4. Torque the lug nuts to specification
5. Test drive the vehicle to confirm the repairs

About an hour a side...This is the whole job and pictures....

The hub and wheel bearing unit is serviced as a complete assembly. Replacement of the front drive hub and bearing assembly can be done without having to remove the steering knuckle from the vehicle. However, if the hub/bearing assembly is frozen to the steering knuckle, removal of the steering knuckle is required.

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
   
2. Remove the cotter pin from the end of the stub axle. Remove the nut lock and spring washer. With the brakes applied, loosen, but do NOT remove the axle nut and washer with the vehicle still on the ground or damage to the wheel bearing will result.
   
3. Raise and safely support the vehicle. Remove the wheel.
   
4. Remove the front brake caliper assembly from the steering knuckle assembly and support from the strut assembly using a strong piece of wire.
   
1. Remove the front brake rotor from the hub/bearing assembly.
   
2. Remove the retaining nut and washer from the halfshaft stub axle.
   
3. Remove the ABS wheel speed sensor from the steering knuckle.
   
4. Remove the 4 hub and bearing assembly mounting bolts from behind the steering knuckle.
   
5. Remove the hub and bearing assembly from the steering knuckle.
   
5. To install:
   
   1. Thoroughly clean the mating surfaces of the steering knuckle and the hub and bearing assembly of any foreign material or nicks so the surfaces are clean and smooth.
      
   2. Install the new hub and bearing assembly and tighten the mounting bolts in a crisscross pattern to 45 ft. lbs. (65 Nm). Be sure the hub and bearing assembly is seated squarely against the front steering knuckle.
      
   3. Install the disc brake rotor.
      
   4. Install the brake caliper assembly onto the steering knuckle.
      
   5. Install the axle washer and nut. Tighten but do not torque.
      
   6. Install the ABS wheel speed sensor.
      
   7. Install the wheel and lug nuts. Torque the lug nuts, in sequence, to 95 ft. lbs. (129 Nm).
      
   8. Lower the vehicle. Do NOT roll the vehicle until the axle nut has been properly torqued or damage to the front wheel bearings will result.
      
   9. With the vehicle's brakes applied, torque the axle nut to 180 ft. lbs. (244 Nm). Install the spring washer, nut lock and a new cotter pin. Wrap the cotter pin prongs tightly around the axle nut lock.
      
   10. Reconnect the negative battery cable. Check the wheel alignment.
       

The hub/bearing assembly is attached to the steering knuckle with four bolts



Removing a hub/bearing assembly




If the hub/bearing is "frozen" to the steering knuckle, separate the ball joint and lightly tap on the hub/bearing from behind




The hub/bearing assembly should free itself from the steering knuckle

About $60 a hub.

Hub and Bearing Assembly
CAUTION: Do not begin this removal procedure unless the following parts are available:

• A new front axle wheel hub retainer (3B477) (Step 1).
• A new inboard halfshaft joint stub shaft circlip.

Once removed, these parts must not be reused during assembly. Their torque holding ability or retention capability is diminished during removal.
Removal

1. Turn ignition switch to the OFF position and place the steering column in the unlock position.
   

1. CAUTION: Discard the front axle wheel hub retainer. It is a torque prevailing design and cannot be reused. If loosened, the retainer must be removed and a new one installed.
   Remove and discard front axle wheel hub retainer (3B477).
   

1. Raise vehicle on hoist.
   

1. NOTE: Make sure steering column is in the unlocked position, and do not use a hammer to separate tie rod end (3A130) from the front wheel knuckle (3K185) . Use extreme care not to damage boot seal.
   
   Remove cotter pin from tie rod end stud and remove slotted nut. Discard cotter pin and nut.
   

1. Using Tie Rod End Remover 211-001 (TOOL-3290-D) or equivalent and Tie Rod End Remover Adapter 211-087 (T81P-3504-W), remove tie rod end from front wheel knuckle.
   

1. CAUTION: Use extreme care not to damage boot seal. Do not use power tools to remove the nut, or bearing and seal damage will result. Loosen the nut first, then remove nut from stud using the hex hold feature.
   For SHO vehicles, remove vinyl cover from upper link stud.
   Remove stabilizer bar link (5K484) from front shock absorber (18124) .
   

1. Remove disc brake caliper (2B120) and support with wire to obtain working space. Do not allow disc brake caliper to separate from the front disc brake caliper anchor plate (2B292) to prevent contamination of the disc brake guide pin journals. Do not allow disc brake caliper to hang from front brake hose (2078) . Remove front disc brake rotor (1125) . Remove front disc brake rotor from wheel hub (1104) by pulling it off the lug bolt (1107). If front disc brake rotor is difficult to remove from front wheel knuckle , strike front disc brake rotor sharply between lug bolt with a rubber or plastic hammer.
   If front disc brake rotor will not pull off, apply Rust Penetrant and Inhibitor D7AZ-19A501-AA or equivalent meeting Ford specification ESR-M99C56-A to inboard and outboard rotor/hub mating surfaces. Install 3-Jaw Puller 205-D027 (D80L-1013-A) or equivalent and remove front disc brake rotor by pulling on front disc brake rotor outside diameter and pushing on hub center. If excessive force is required for removal, check front disc brake rotor for lateral runout prior to installation. Refer to Section 06-00.
   

1. Remove anti-lock brake sensor mounting bolt and front brake anti-lock sensor (2C204) .
   

1. Remove and discard lower ball joint nut. Using Remover Adapter 211-211 (T96P-3010-A1), separate lower ball joint from front suspension lower arm (3078) .
   

1. Using Rotunda Spring Compressor 014-00781 or equivalent, compress front coil spring (5310) until lower ball joint clears front suspension lower arm .
   

1. Using Front Hub Remover/Replacer 204-069 (T81P-1104-C), Two Stud Adapter 205-237 (T86P-1104-A1), Metric Hub Remover Adapter 204-085 (T83P-1104-BH) and Front Hub Installer 204-067 (T81P-1104-A), press front wheel driveshaft joint (3B414) from wheel hub . Wire front wheel driveshaft joint to body to maintain a level position.
   
   
   
   
   
   Item Part Number Description 1 204-085 (T83P-1104-BH) Metric Hub Remover Adapter 2 204-067 (T81P-1104-A) Front Hub Replacer 3 — Turn Wrench Counterclockwise 4 — Hold Wrench Stationary While Turning Other Wrench 5 204-069 (T81P-1104-C) Front Hub Remover/Replacer 6 204-067 (T81P-1104-A)1 Two Stud Adapter A — Make Sure Metric Hub Remover Adapter 204-085 (T83P-1104-BH) is Fully Threaded onto 1107 and is Positioned Opposite the Two Stud Adapter 205-237 (T86P-1104-A1)

1. Remove and discard three hub and bearing retainer bolts from front wheel knuckle .
   

1. NOTE: Wheel hub is not pressed into front wheel knuckle . Do not use slide hammer to remove a stuck wheel hub . Do not strike back of inner bearing race. Use of these methods will damage bearing internal parts.
   
   NOTE: If bearing carrier is corroded to front wheel knuckle , apply Rust Penetrant and Inhibitor D7AZ-19A501-AA or equivalent meeting Ford specification ESR-M99C56-A to the inboard and outboard wheel hub/knuckle mating surface and allow to soak.
   
   Remove wheel hub from front wheel knuckle .
   
   
   
   
   

Installation

1. NOTE: If wheel hub is damaged or if any end play is detectable, replace wheel hub . End play is not adjustable. If wheel hub is disassembled, the assembly must be replaced.
   
   Remove all foreign material from knuckle bearing bore for correct seating of new wheel hub.
   

1. Lightly lubricate mating surfaces of bearing corner and front wheel knuckle.
   

1. CAUTION: Knuckle bore must be clean enough to allow wheel hub to be completely seated by hand. Do not press or draw wheel hub into place.
   Position wheel hub in front wheel knuckle . Install three new hub and bearing retaining bolts. Tighten to 83-107 Nm (61-78 lb-ft).
   

1. Push front wheel driveshaft joint into wheel hub . Hand start front wheel hub retainer.
   

1. Slowly release Rotunda Spring Compressor 014-00781 or equivalent while guiding lower ball joint into front suspension lower arm .
   

1. Install new lower ball joint nut. Tighten to 68-92 Nm (50-67 lb-ft).
   

1. Install tie rod end into front wheel knuckle . Install new slotted nut and tighten to 47-63 Nm (35-46 lb-ft). If necessary advance nut to install a new cotter pin.
   

1. CAUTION: Use extreme care not to damage boot seal. Do not use power tools to tighten nut or bearing and seal damage will result. Install nut using hex hold feature to prevent the stud from rotating.
   Install stabilizer bar link to front shock absorber . Install stabilizer bar link nut. Tighten to 77-103 Nm (57-75 lb-ft). For SHO vehicles, install stud cover.
   

1. NOTE: Remove rust from the rotor and hub mating surfaces with a medium abrasive pad.
   
   Install front disc brake rotor and disc brake caliper . Tighten caliper anchor bracket bolts to 88-118 Nm (65-87 lb-ft).
   

1. CAUTION: The front axle wheel hub retainer must be tightened to specification immediately during installation. If the retainer is not tightened immediately, the nylon lock will set incorrectly, leading to incorrect torque readings and bearing failure. Any front wheel hub retainer that is not immediately tightened to specification or is loosened must be removed and a new retainer installed.
   Install front axle wheel hub retainer . Tighten to 230-275 Nm (170-203 lb-ft).
   

1. Install wheel and tire. Tighten lug nuts (1012) to 115-142 Nm (85-104 lb-ft).
   

1. Lower vehicle.
   

1. Pump brake pedal prior to moving vehicle to position brake linings.
   

Here's the steps....getting some pics for you....hang on a minute or two.

Front Hub Removal & Installation To Remove:

1. Remove steering knuckle.
2. Using a suitable slap hammer, remove wheel hub assembly.
3. Using a suitable bearing press, remove outer bearing, oil seal, outer bearing race and preload spacer.
4. Remove inner oil seal, inner wheel bearing and inner bearing race.

NOTE: It is not necessary to remove dust cover (back plate).
To Install:

1. Using a suitable bearing press, install bearing races in steering knuckle.
2. Pack the bearings and hub area with lithium grease.
3. Install inner bearing in steering knuckle.
4. Lubricate lip of NEW inner seal and press seal into knuckle.
5. Install preload spacer into bore.
6. Install outer bearing into bore.
7. Lubricate lip of NEW outer seal and press seal into knuckle.
8. Using an appropriate tool, support inner wheel bearing and press wheel hub into knuckle with a force of 2500kg.
9. Install NEW inner seal.
10. Install knuckle assembly.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/villagerquest/


Item Part Number Description 1 — Cotter Pin 2 — Nut Retainer 3 1131 Insulator 4 3B477 Front Axle Wheel Hub Retainer 5 1195 Front Wheel Outer Bearing Retainer Washer 6 1104 Wheel Hub 7 1107 Lug Bolt 8 3K050 Snap Ring 9 3123 Front Wheel Bearing 10 2K004 Front Disc Brake Rotor Shield 11 3130 Front Wheel Knuckle

Wheel Hub, Wheel Knuckle and Wheel Bearing SPECIAL SERVICE TOOL(S) REQUIRED Description Tool Number Tie Rod End Separator T85M-3395-A
Removal

1. Raise and support the vehicle.
   
2. Remove the wheel (1007) and tire assembly.
   
3. NOTE: It is not necessary to disconnect the front brake hose (2078).
   
   Remove the disc brake caliper (2B120) and suspend it with mechanic's wire out of the way. Refer to Section 06-03 for the removal procedure.
   
4. Remove the front disc brake rotor (1125).
   
5. Remove and discard the cotter pin.
   
6. Remove the nut retainer and insulator.
   
7. Remove the front axle wheel hub retainer (3B477) and the front wheel outer bearing retainer washer (1195).
   
   
   
   
   
8. Remove and discard the cotter pin from the front suspension lower arm ball joint (3050).
   
9. Loosen the front suspension lower arm ball joint nut until it contacts the front wheel driveshaft joint.
   
   
   
   
   
10. Strike the front wheel knuckle with a hammer while pulling down on the front suspension lower arm (3078) until the front suspension lower arm ball joint separates from the front wheel knuckle.
    
    
    
    
    
11. Remove the front suspension lower arm ball joint nut.
    
    
    
    
    
12. Remove the front suspension lower arm ball joint from the front wheel knuckle.
    
13. Remove and discard the cotter pin.
    
    
    
    
    
14. Remove the tie rod end nut.
    
    
    
    
    
15. Use Tie Rod End Separator T85M-3395-A to separate the tie rod end (3A130) from the front wheel knuckle.
    
    
    
    
    
16. Remove the front brake anti-lock sensor bolt.
    
    
    
    
    
17. Remove the two front shock absorber-to-front wheel knuckle nuts.
    
    
    
    
    
18. Remove the two front shock absorber-to-front wheel knuckle bolts.
    
19. Remove the front shock absorber (18124) from the front wheel knuckle.
    
20. Use 2-Jaw Puller D80L-1002-L, or equivalent, to separate the front wheel driveshaft and joint (3B436) from the front wheel knuckle.
    
21. Remove the front wheel hub, front wheel knuckle and front wheel bearing as an assembly from the vehicle.
22. If necessary, match mark and remove the steering stop bolt and steering stop bolt jam nut from the front wheel knuckle.
    
    
    
    
    

Installation

1. Position the front wheel hub, front wheel knuckle and front wheel bearing as an assembly on the front wheel driveshaft and joint.
   

1. Install the front wheel knuckle into the front shock absorber.
   

1. Install the two front shock absorber-to-front wheel knuckle bolts.
   

1. Install the two front shock absorber-to-front wheel knuckle nuts. Tighten the front shock absorber-to-front wheel knuckle nuts to 113-123 Nm (83-91 lb-ft).
   
   

Service and Repair

1. Remove front hub/steering knuckle assembly from vehicle.
2. Position front hub/steering knuckle assembly on a press and press front hub out of steering knuckle using a suitable removal tool.
3. Remove E-clip from steering knuckle, then position steering knuckle onto a press.
4. Using a suitable bearing remover, press bearing out of steering knuckle.
5. Reverse procedure to install.