How To Replace Wheel Bearing & Hub 1998-2011 Ford Ranger

Introduction

Replacing the wheel bearing and hub on a 1998-2011 Ford Ranger can be a challenging but rewarding DIY task. This guide walks you through the essential steps to safely and effectively perform this replacement, ensuring your vehicle runs smoothly and safely.

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

• Ensure your vehicle is on a flat surface.
• Use wheel chocks to prevent rolling.
• Raise the vehicle with a floor jack.
• Secure it with jack stands for safety.

Step 2: Remove the Wheel

• Use a ratchet and socket to remove all lug nuts.
• Take off the wheel and set it aside.

Step 3: Inspect and Prepare Brake Components

• Use a pry bar to gently push in the brake caliper pistons to ensure they are functioning.
• Hang the caliper using a brake caliper hanger to avoid stress on the flex hose.

Step 4: Disconnect the ABS Wire

• Follow the ABS wire and locate the securing points.
• Squeeze the tab to disconnect the wire and inspect for corrosion.
• Disconnect the wire from the knuckle.

Step 5: Remove the Brake Caliper

• Remove the two bolts securing the caliper to the knuckle.
• Ensure the brake pads are free moving within the caliper bracket.

Step 6: Remove the Rotor

• If the rotor is stuck, spray penetrant around the hub.
• Use a lug nut to protect the threads and tap with a hammer to dislodge the rotor.
• Remove the rotor from the hub.

Step 7: Remove the Axle Nut

• Use a punch and hammer to break the axle free from the wheel bearing.

Step 8: Remove the Wheel Bearing

• Locate and remove the three mounting bolts from the back of the knuckle.
• To separate the wheel bearing, use a hammer and carefully tap around the edges.
• If stuck, tap on the ears of the bearing to loosen it.

Step 9: Clean the Area

• Remove any debris from the hub area to ensure a clean fit for the new bearing.
• Inspect and clean the splines on the axle.

Step 10: Install the New Wheel Bearing

• Apply red thread locker to the mounting bolts.
• Align the new bearing with the ABS wire facing outward.
• Start the three bolts and torque them to 85 foot-pounds.

Step 11: Reattach the ABS Wire

• Secure the ABS wire back to the knuckle, ensuring it can still move freely.
• Connect the ABS wire and listen for a click to confirm it is engaged.

Step 12: Install the Rotor and Caliper

• Apply copper anti-seize to the mating edge of the new bearing.
• Slide the rotor onto the hub and secure it with a lug nut.
• Reinstall the caliper, using red thread locker on the mounting bolts and torque them to 85 foot-pounds.

Step 13: Install the Axle Nut

• Apply thread locker to the axle nut.
• Start the nut by hand and snug it up.
• Torque the nut to 184 foot-pounds, using a long bar to prevent the hub from spinning.

Step 14: Reinstall the Wheel

• Check the flex hose and ABS wire for proper positioning.
• Place the wheel back on and hand-tighten the lug nuts.
• Lower the vehicle and torque the lug nuts to 100 foot-pounds in a crisscross pattern.

Conclusion

You have successfully replaced the wheel bearing and hub on your Ford Ranger. After reassembly, pump the brake pedal to ensure proper function. If the ABS light remains on, use a scan tool to clear it. Finally, consider a trip to an alignment shop to ensure your vehicle is road-ready.