97 and 06 explorer question

[mdvalant]

Hey everyone,

I got referred to the rangerstation by a friend on my water ski boat forum and need your help! My fiance and I currently own a 97 explorer and an 06 explorer. The 97 has turned into my beater truck although it is still in really good shape. It does need the wheel bearing hub assemblies done to both front wheels. Also it needs two front outter tie rod ends. I have the parts but labor is crazy expensive. I've never done brakes before but know my way around a couple tools. How difficult is this task? Think myself and some friends can pull this off? The reason I mention the 06 is because I'm afraid it's going to need the same treatment. I don't drive it much cuz it's the fiance's ride really but I notice a hum going down the highway sounds like 4-high is engaged but it's not...I have heard that hearing that hum means the bearings are going out. Thoughts??

Thanks everyone, site looks great.

-Mike

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Try loading up the bearings.

If it gets louder when you turn one way it is the oposite side. (if turning right makes it louder it is the left bearing)

 

[adsm08]

The bearings aren't hard. At home with hand tools, they will likely be time consuming.

You will need to take the brake caliper bracket and the rotor off. Then remove the axle shaft nut (big honking sucker in the middle). I believe it's a 32mm nut. It may be a 36 mm. Then there are 3 15mm bolts on the back side of the hub that have to come out. At this point it's free, but they are usually corroded to the knuckle, take a chisel and pound it in between the hub and the knuckle. Dont' be afraid, and don't be gentle. I use my air chisel.

Your fiance's 06 is similar.

If you plan to do these yourself and have an air compressor (or a friend with one) I would honestly go down to Harbor Freight and invest in a cheap impact gun, a METRIC 1/2 drive impact socket set and an impact swivel. Those tools alone will probably cost you less than having a shop do your bearings.