🔧 Wheel Bearing - Front Hub Assembly Replacement

Assumption: This guide covers the front wheel bearing/hub assembly on your Explorer. The rear is similar, but the parking brake makes it a little different.

The front wheel bearing on this Explorer is serviced as a complete hub assembly. That means you remove the knuckle-side hub, install the new assembly, and torque everything correctly so the wheel runs smooth and quiet.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 2-3 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Work on a flat surface and chock the rear wheels.
• Lift the Explorer with a proper jack and support it with jack stands before removing the wheel.
• Do not hang the brake caliper by the hose.
• If equipped with an electronic parking brake on the rear, it must be retracted with a scan tool before rear service.
• Use care around ABS wiring. Do not pull on the wheel speed sensor harness.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Wheel chocks
• Breaker bar
• Torque wrench
• 19mm socket
• 13mm socket
• 15mm socket
• 18mm socket
• 21mm socket
• Torx T30 screwdriver
• Ratchet
• Long-handled pry bar
• Dead-blow hammer
• Penetrating oil
• Brake hanger hook
• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Front wheel hub bearing assembly - Qty: 1
• Front axle nut - Qty: 1
• Brake caliper bracket bolts - Qty: 2
• Hub mounting bolts - Qty: 3

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Loosen the lug nuts before lifting the vehicle.
• Turn the steering wheel so you have better access to the side you are servicing.
• Penetrating oil helps on rusty bolts.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove the wheel

• Use a 19mm socket and breaker bar to loosen the lug nuts, then raise the Explorer and support it with jack stands.
• Remove the wheel and set it aside.

Step 2: Remove the brake caliper and rotor

• Use a 15mm socket to remove the caliper slide bolts.
• Hang the caliper with a brake hanger hook. Do not let it pull on the hose.
• Use a 13mm socket to remove the caliper bracket bolts, then remove the bracket.
• Pull the rotor off. If it is stuck, tap it lightly with a dead-blow hammer.

Step 3: Remove the axle nut and separate the hub

• Use a 21mm socket to remove the axle nut.
• Torque note for reassembly: Tighten the new axle nut to 407 Nm (300 ft-lbs).
• Use a long-handled pry bar to gently push the CV axle inward if needed.
• Use a Torx T30 screwdriver to remove the wheel speed sensor if it blocks access.

Step 4: Remove the hub assembly

• Use an 18mm socket to remove the three hub mounting bolts from the back of the knuckle.
• If the hub is rusted in place, tap around the flange with a dead-blow hammer and work it free.
• Remove the hub bearing assembly from the knuckle.

Step 5: Install the new hub assembly

• Clean the knuckle mating surface before installation.
• Position the new hub assembly and start the three mounting bolts by hand.
• Use an 18mm socket to tighten the hub bolts to 115 Nm (85 ft-lbs).
• Reinstall the wheel speed sensor and route the harness exactly as removed.

Step 6: Reinstall the brake parts

• Reinstall the rotor, caliper bracket, and caliper.
• Use a 13mm socket for the caliper bracket bolts and tighten to 175 Nm (129 ft-lbs).
• Use a 15mm socket for the caliper slide bolts and tighten to 35 Nm (26 ft-lbs).

Step 7: Reinstall the axle nut and wheel

• Install the new axle nut with a 21mm socket and torque to 407 Nm (300 ft-lbs).
• Reinstall the wheel and tighten the lug nuts by hand.
• Lower the Explorer and use a torque wrench with a 19mm socket to tighten the lug nuts to 135 Nm (100 ft-lbs).

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✅ After Repair

• Start the vehicle and check for ABS or traction control warning lights.
• Test drive at low speed first. Listen for growling, clicking, or rubbing.
• Recheck lug nut torque after 25-50 miles.
• If the ABS light stays on, scan for wheel speed sensor faults.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $450-$850 (parts + labor)

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

You Save: $330-$590 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 2-3 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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