Front wheel bearing?

[JJMaine]

Not sure where to post this question. My 2011 4x4 Ranger needs a driver's front wheel bearing. I'm wondering if it's possible to just replace the bearings or do I need to buy the whole hub assembly? I have a hydraulic press that I could use to change the bearings.
If I do need the hub assembly, has anyone had any luck with the cheaper options from Rock Auto? I'm sure OEM is the best bet but those are more than double the price. Thanks!

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I replaced the hub on my 2011 escape. Next time I'll just do bearings. Your experience may differ...

 

[JJMaine]

Yeah, I can get a set of Timkin bearings on RockAuto for $10 but most of the front bearings say RWD only and none of them say 4x4 front? I'm not sure how this works is the abs magnet in the front bearings on the 4x4?

 

[JJMaine]

I replaced the hub on my 2011 escape. Next time I'll just do bearings. Your experience may differ...

Is your escape 4x4?

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

All wheel drive

 

[scotts90ranger]

I would probably grab the whole assembly, just watched an old video of a guy doing the hubs on a '97 Explorer and it looked simple enough to do that way, the assembly didn't look fun to get apart even with a press without making jigs...

The bearings for the "RWD" versions are just standard tapered roller bearings, the 4x4 hubs of that era ('83-97 have bigger tapered roller bearings on 4x4) have two row ball bearings most likely.

 

[JJMaine]

Yeah I think I will just get new hubs for both fronts. I'm thinking I'll try one of the cheaper options ($50-60) as Motorcraft are $175 each. They are easy to change, I done them before on my buddies 4x4 F150 I was just trying to save a few bucks and at the same time get quality bearings.