🔧 Wheel Bearings - Hub Assembly Replacement

On your Explorer, the wheel bearing is part of the hub assembly, so the usual repair is replacing the entire hub unit rather than pressing in a bearing. This job is straightforward on the front but can be stubborn if the hub is rusted into the knuckle.

Assumption: This guide covers a single front wheel hub assembly. Rear wheel hub replacement is very similar if that is the side you need.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 2-4 hours per side

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Work on level ground and support the vehicle with jack stands. Never rely on a jack alone.
• Chock the opposite wheels before lifting.
• If your Explorer has electronic parking brake functions involved in a rear repair, follow the service mode procedure before service.
• Keep hands clear when removing the axle nut and hub; parts can shift suddenly.
• Use eye protection when loosening rusted parts or striking the hub.
• If a front axle is being removed, do not run the vehicle with the axle out.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated for vehicle weight)
• Wheel chocks
• Breaker bar
• Torque wrench
• Socket set
• 21mm socket
• Axle nut socket (size matches your hub nut)
• Ratchet
• Penetrating oil
• Dead blow hammer
• Needle-nose pliers
• Flat trim tool
• Brake caliper hanger hook (specialty)
• Impact wrench (optional)
• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Front wheel hub assembly - Qty: 1
• Front axle nut - Qty: 1
• Hub-to-knuckle bolts - Qty: 3
• ABS wheel speed sensor clip or retainer - Qty: 1
• Brake cleaner - Qty: 1 can

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, set the parking brake, and chock the rear wheels.
• Loosen the lug nuts before lifting the vehicle.
• Have the new hub assembly ready before disassembly.
• Spray the axle nut and hub bolts with penetrating oil and let it soak.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Loosen the wheel and axle nut

• Use a breaker bar and 21mm socket to loosen the lug nuts before lifting the vehicle.
• With the wheel still on the ground, use the correct axle nut socket to loosen the axle nut if this is a front hub.
• Torque to factory spec during reassembly.

Step 2: Lift and support the vehicle

• Use a floor jack to raise the corner of the Explorer.
• Place it securely on jack stands.
• Remove the wheel with a 21mm socket.

Step 3: Remove the brake caliper and rotor

• Use a ratchet and the correct socket to remove the caliper bracket bolts.
• Hang the caliper with a brake caliper hanger hook (specialty). Do not let it dangle by the hose.
• Remove the rotor. If stuck, tap it gently with a dead blow hammer.

Step 4: Disconnect the hub wiring

• Use a flat trim tool and needle-nose pliers to release the ABS sensor wire clips.
• Unplug the sensor connector if it is attached to the hub.

Step 5: Remove the hub assembly

• Use a ratchet and the correct socket to remove the hub-to-knuckle bolts from the back side.
• Tap the hub from the rear with a dead blow hammer until it releases from the knuckle.
• Rust makes this step the hardest.

Step 6: Install the new hub assembly

• Clean the mounting surface with brake cleaner.
• Position the new hub assembly and start the bolts by hand.
• Use a torque wrench to tighten the hub bolts to factory spec.

Step 7: Reinstall the axle nut, rotor, and brakes

• If front wheel drive hardware was removed, reinstall the axle and fit a new axle nut.
• Use a torque wrench to tighten the axle nut to factory spec.
• Reinstall the rotor, caliper bracket, and caliper with the correct sockets.
• Torque to factory spec.

Step 8: Reinstall the wheel and finish up

• Install the wheel and hand-tighten the lug nuts.
• Lower the Explorer and use a torque wrench with a 21mm socket to tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern.
• Torque to factory spec.

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✅ After Repair

• Spin the wheel by hand and listen for smooth, quiet rotation.
• Press the brake pedal several times before moving the vehicle.
• Test drive slowly at first and listen for humming, grinding, or ABS warning lights.
• If the ABS light stays on, scan for wheel speed sensor codes and inspect the hub connector.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $350-$700 per side (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $120-$250 per side (parts only)

You Save: $230-$450 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?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.