2005 2WD - Bearing is Grinding - DIY Help?

[MojoX]

I just registered and will apologize in advance if I'm in the wrong area.

My 2WD 2K5 Ranger now makes a grinding sound on the driver side. It is worse when I use the brakes, but is constant otherwise. I can only imagine it's the bearing.

How difficult is it to do this myself? I have average skill. Probably below average for those in this forum. Suggestions?

 

[milje]

Here's an exploded view, looks pretty simple, a lot simpler than my 95 F150 (which wasn't bad at all). I don't have any torque specs for reassembly though.

http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/pdf_documents/2000_Front_Disc_Brake.pdf

 

[MojoX]

That does indeed look relatively simple.

Question 1 - should I have been repacking these with grease?
Question 2 - if it's already grinding, then it is already toast and needs to be replaced?
Question 3 - do I see TWO front wheel bearings??

 

[martin]

If its grinding it's a fair bet that one or both of the bearings is toast. I believe there is a detailed guide to changing them in the tech library.

 

['95 ranger]

That does indeed look relatively simple.

Question 1 - should I have been repacking these with grease?
Question 2 - if it's already grinding, then it is already toast and needs to be replaced?
Question 3 - do I see TWO front wheel bearings??

Answer 1 - if you took your brake rotor off and cleaned the bearing but didn't put any grease back in you are an idiot, also fill the inside of the rotor with grease

Answer 2 - yes

Answer 3 - yes, one large one on the inside and a smaller on the outside

 

[Hawker]

MojoX: I don't think you're an idiot, and embarassing that someone would strart throwing words like that around but especially in responding to a new member asking a question. Internet seems to have brought the rudest of our society out and made them worse.

Sure sounds like a bearing but have had brake pads come loose and do some similar things. Checking both shouldn't be beyond your abilities so give it a good look-see with the wheel off. I'm sure you know the usual safety precautions about not getting near it without being up on secure stands, etc.

 

[adsm08]

If its constant but gets worse with breaking I'd be looking for something rubbing on the side of the rotor. a spring clip or a stone or something to that effect. I worked in the dealership and saw that exact complaint with something caught in the brakes and rubbing the rotor edge a lot. If you did have it apart and didn't put any grease back in then you need to do that ASAP, you aren't an idiot, its just a beginners mistake. I have gotten away with just throwing my own bearings back in without cleaning or repacking and not had any trouble. Also be sure you don't over tighten the bearings. Spin the wheels to the left as you torque down on the retainer nut, but make sure the wheel can still spin freely. Over tight bearings make noise. A loose bearing will never wear out.

 

[modelageek]

I agree with the others. no need to be rude. I did the same thing on my 99 2wd it looks just like what you have. I am of average skills. I had to change the upper control arm at the same time I think the whole thing took me 2 hours. from my memory i think the torque on mine was 25 then back off a full turn and the 20. make sure you use the high temp grease for disk brakes. lean off the rotors with brake cleaner. you might want to consider at least replacing the pads while you are at it( you will have to do the pads on the other side also)