🔧 Wheel Bearing / Hub Assembly Replacement - Hub Service

On your Explorer, the wheel bearing is serviced as a complete hub assembly, not as a press-in bearing. The job means removing the wheel, brake parts, and axle/hub fasteners, then installing the new hub assembly and torquing everything correctly.

Difficulty Level: Advanced | Estimated Time: 2-4 hours per wheel

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Support the vehicle with jack stands; never rely on a jack alone.
• If working on the rear and your Explorer has an electronic parking brake, place it in service mode before disassembly.
• Brake parts and hubs can be hot after driving; let them cool first.
• Use eye protection when breaking loose rusted axle and suspension fasteners.
• If the axle nut is removed, do not spin the hub with the driveshaft unsupported.
• Battery disconnect is not normally required for the front; for rear EPB service, follow service mode first.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands
• Wheel chocks
• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves
• Breaker bar
• Torque wrench
• 21mm socket
• 30mm axle nut socket
• 15mm socket
• 18mm socket
• 8mm socket
• Ratchet
• Extensions
• Flat-blade screwdriver
• Bungee cord or hanger
• Hammer
• Penetrating oil
• Trim tool
• Scan tool (specialty)

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Front wheel hub assembly - Qty: 1 per side
• Rear wheel hub assembly - Qty: 1 per side
• Front axle nut - Qty: 1 per side
• Rear axle nut - Qty: 1 per side
• Brake caliper bracket bolts - Qty: 2 per side if replaced
• Dust shield clip hardware - Qty: as needed
• Anti-seize compound - Qty: 1
• Brake cleaner - Qty: 1 can

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Loosen the wheel lug nuts before lifting the vehicle.
• If you are replacing a rear hub and your Explorer has an electronic parking brake, use Menu > Service > EPB Service Mode or your scan tool to retract it first.
• Apply penetrating oil to the axle nut and hub bolts before starting if rust is present.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Lift and secure the vehicle

• Use a 21mm socket and breaker bar to loosen the wheel lug nuts while the tire is still on the ground.
• Raise the vehicle with the floor jack and support it with jack stands.
• Remove the wheel and set it aside.

Step 2: Remove the brake caliper and rotor

• Use an 18mm socket to remove the caliper bracket bolts.
• Lift the caliper off and hang it with a bungee cord or hanger. Do not let it hang by the hose.
• Use an 8mm socket if the rotor retaining screw is present.
• Remove the rotor. If stuck, tap it gently with a hammer.

Step 3: Remove the axle nut

• Use a 30mm axle nut socket and breaker bar to remove the axle nut.
• Keep the axle centered.

Step 4: Remove the hub assembly bolts

• From the back side of the knuckle, use a 15mm socket to remove the hub mounting bolts.
• If the bolts are tight, apply penetrating oil and work them out evenly.

Step 5: Remove the old hub

• Push the axle slightly inward by hand.
• Pull the hub assembly out of the knuckle.
• If it is rusted in place, tap around the hub flange with a hammer until it releases.
• Do not hit the axle threads.

Step 6: Clean the mounting surface

• Use a flat-blade screwdriver and brake cleaner to clean rust and debris from the knuckle mounting surface.
• Make sure the new hub sits flat.

Step 7: Install the new hub assembly

• Slide the new hub into place and align the bolt holes.
• Install the hub bolts by hand first, then tighten with a 15mm socket.
• Torque hub bolts to 97 Nm (72 ft-lbs).

Step 8: Reinstall the axle nut

• Thread on a new axle nut by hand.
• Use the 30mm axle nut socket and torque wrench.
• Torque axle nut to 271 Nm (200 ft-lbs).

Step 9: Reinstall the brakes

• Reinstall the rotor and caliper bracket using the 18mm socket.
• Torque caliper bracket bolts to 184 Nm (136 ft-lbs).
• Reinstall the caliper and verify the brake hose is not twisted.

Step 10: Reinstall the wheel

• Put the wheel back on and snug the lug nuts by hand with the 21mm socket.
• Lower the vehicle and torque the lug nuts in a star pattern.
• Torque lug nuts to 135 Nm (100 ft-lbs).

Step 11: Final check

• Spin the wheel by hand and listen for rubbing or grinding.
• Press the brake pedal several times before moving the vehicle.
• If you serviced a rear wheel with EPB, exit service mode using the scan tool or menu.

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✅ After Repair

• Test drive slowly and listen for noise changes.
• Check for ABS, traction control, or wheel speed sensor warnings.
• Recheck axle nut and lug nut torque after the first short drive if needed.
• If a warning light stays on, scan for wheel speed sensor or hub-related codes.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $450-$900 per wheel (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $120-$260 per wheel (parts only)

You Save: $330-$640 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 2-4 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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