98 windstar front bearing

[tdefaut]

Hello to all, I'm a new member to the forum, so please forgive me if this question has been asked before. I am planning on changing the front bearing this weekend. I would like to "get all my ducks in row". Does any one know what size the nut is to get to the bearing so I can get the right socket/wrench before I start tearing into it? Any help would be great.

[lord Kelvin]

I don't recall what size the spindle-nut is, but I do want to caution you that the wheel-bearing, hub, and steering-knuckle are a press-together assembly on a 98. I ended up buying a Hydraulic-press and wheel bearing adapter kit from Harbor-Freight to do mine. Though not technically difficult, it's not really a DIYer job unless you have some experience.

[busboy4]

Hi
30mm rings a bell on that spindle nut. I am not at home so I can't look it up for you. I have done the bearing on a '96 and as Lord K said it is a big job. Getting the knuckle assembly out is not too hard if you have some basic experience. I then took the whole knuckle unit to my local Lincoln/Merc dealer (I had to replace the hub also and they had one. Same part # on the Mountaineer). Their mech's did the press in /out for a $40 shop fee. Not too bad, and they have the proper jigs for the press. Any Ford dealer could do it too.

Let us know how you are doing.

[tdefaut]

Thanks for the help guys. 30mm is correct. Turned out to be not so bad after all. Apparently, Ford started putting '99 front ends in the late year 98 Windstars. Rather than replacing just the bearing... the spindle, bearing, and hub are all one unit. The outer race for the bearing is actually machined inside the spindle, and cannot be pressed out. Once the brake assy, and rotor are out of the way, three bolts hold the whole unit on. Took a little bit of elbow grease to pull the spindle out but, over all not too bad. Thanks again,---td---