2003 Ford Explorer front wheel bearings

[modelageek]

Posting for a friends truck....a 2003 Explorer, 4.6, 4wd, Auto. He had one front bearing replaced with a crappy part and it failed within 5k. Had it done again and I think it is OK. He wants to do the other side. What is the recommended brand? Timkin? Motorcraft(I was doing some searching and video watching.....it looks like you want new bolts and MC comes with bolts....not sure if Timkin comes with new bolts) How long does the job take? How much should it cost in labor for each bearing. TIA!

 

[projectnitemare]

Very few come with bolts and really that is the least of the concern. You can't go wrong with a name brand, Moog, Timkin, National and so on. Expect to spend around $200 for each front. Another thing to consider the cheaper brand will have a little less warranty for about $75 difference. If it's bad you will know it in short order. It should only be about an hour labor, so $50-$75 is about right. The rears are a whole different story though

 

[adsm08]

I think we charge an hour or 1.5 a side for explorers. They usually take me 30 to 60 minutes to do. Depends on how badly frozen to the knuckle it is.

They say to replace the bolts because they have thread locker on them. Just put some blue or red lock-tite on and reuse them if you dont get new ones.

Postin' from teh Galaxy

 

[modelageek]

Very few come with bolts and really that is the least of the concern. You can't go wrong with a name brand, Moog, Timkin, National and so on. Expect to spend around $200 for each front. Another thing to consider the cheaper brand will have a little less warranty for about $75 difference. If it's bad you will know it in short order. It should only be about an hour labor, so $50-$75 is about right. The rears are a whole different story though

.

I think we charge an hour or 1.5 a side for explorers. They usually take me 30 to 60 minutes to do. Depends on how badly frozen to the knuckle it is.

They say to replace the bolts because they have thread locker on them. Just put some blue or red lock-tite on and reuse them if you dont get new ones.

Postin' from teh Galaxy

Thanks for the great info. I will pass it along to my Buddy! Sounds like I should suggest the Timkins from Rockauto. They are $120 compared to MC for $170.

 

[modelageek]

Adsm08, sorry one more question. I did some searching and the word is the 3 bolts are tough to access. One person said an offset 15mm box wrench is slow but will do it. What do you use, air tools, a socket and a flex joint?

 

[modelageek]

Hey Adsm08. I just noticed in your Sig. The 4.0. You must have swapped out the 2.9?

 

[adsm08]

Adsm08, sorry one more question. I did some searching and the word is the 3 bolts are tough to access. One person said an offset 15mm box wrench is slow but will do it. What do you use, air tools, a socket and a flex joint?

The 3 bolts are hard to access. I get the CV shaft pushed back in as far as possible, then hit them with the 1/2" impact gun with a short extension and an impact swivel.

Hey Adsm08. I just noticed in your Sig. The 4.0. You must have swapped out the 2.9?

Yup. She's been running on 4.0 power for a few months now. There are still some details to button up, but it's 100% driveable.

 

[modelageek]

The 3 bolts are hard to access. I get the CV shaft pushed back in as far as possible, then hit them with the 1/2" impact gun with a short extension and an impact swivel.



Yup. She's been running on 4.0 power for a few months now. There are still some details to button up, but it's 100% driveable.

Thanks for da info....99% of the time I an posting form "deh galaxy" as you like to say. I couldn't get to your build links form there.....I got on the puter and took a cursory look.....They look great!......I will peruse them more as I have time........great job........

 

[adsm08]

Thanks man. I am pretty glad to be almost done with the truck.

Postin' from teh Galaxy

 

[JayTee]

Ford Explorer... NoOOOooOOOO! Run away as fast as you can!!!!