Just baught an 86 Ranger

[nateariotti]

Yeah hey everyone I am a newbie My wife and I just got an 86 Ford Ranger it's a 2wd ranger and it passed emissions fine but safety it did not it didn't pass safety because it needs new wheel bearings for the front end on both sides I took it to a store here in Utah called Burt Brothers and they are gonna charge me 200 bucks is that a good price or am I able to do it myself I have a Work friend who can probably do it and is an expert on this stuff. Also What parts do I need for new Bearing anyone know the size or anything can I get them anywhere. Does anyone know a site with a video on bearings So I can learn more about them. Thanks.

 

[AllanD]

If they are JUSt replacing wheelbearings that isn't a good deal at all.

for $200 you should be able to get not only the bearings,
but the brake rotors and brake pads as well.

Putting new bearings in a used 2wd rotor isn't financially sane.

And there's no telling ,that your bearings are actually "Bad" they
might just not be adjusted correctly.

AD

 

[nateariotti]

When the guy at the shop lifted up the truck he actually could wiggle the tire could that be a tie rod??

 

[Geeshik]

When pushing on the sidewall at the top of the tire: If just the tire moves, it's the wheel bearings. If the tire and spindle move, it's the ball joints. When pushing on the sidewall at the front of the tire: If just the tire moves, it's the wheel bearings. If the tire and spindle move, it could be the tie rod.

If your truck has high mileage and the wheel has been loose for a while, it would be a good idea to replace the wheel bearings. They are a maintenance item, and are often neglected. The wheel bearings should actually be cleaned, inspected, and repacked every 2 years or 30,000 miles. When you remove the wheel bearings and rotor, you will need a new wheel seal for each side, a new cotter pin, and depending upon the condition of the ones you remove, new dust caps. It's also a good time to check your brake pads, calipers, and rotors. If your rotors show sign of heat cracks, or are badly grooved, they should be replaced at the same time.

This work can be done at home. Aside from your wheel lug wrench, a jack, and some jack stands, you will need a screwdriver to remove the dust caps, a needle nose pliers to remove the cotter pin, a torque wrench to tighten the hub nut, the proper size socket for the torque wrench, the torque specification, some wheel bearing grease, paper towels, and brake cleaner (to clean up the rotor). This should be done in a good clean environment; free of dirt and debris as just a little bit of dirt can wreak havoc on your bearings.

 

[FordMan016]

on thoughs ol' beasts their so simple to do most things its less expensive and more sensable to do it your self... and if you get stuck theres LOADS of knowledge on here man ... now get under there and get them hands dirty lol

 

[FordMan016]

oh and we all like pictures to lol