1998 Wheel bearing removal

[windstarharv]

I have a 1998 Ford Windstar 3.8. I have been having problems with the right side hub ever since my wheel came off and was racing me down the road. Can the bearing be removed and replaced without specialized tools?

Thanks

[tripletdaddy]

Well that depends. If you have to ask..... Have you looked at a manual for this repair? I will attach a couple of links to give you an idea of what is involved, with the first two being for your van. I don't like the lack of illustrations, so I included a second link that I think will give more perspective. It is of a Taurus, but the repair is identical including the bearing. I also like the Escort section on this too. You will need to take out the half shaft, disconnect the lower control arm, tie rod end, brakes, upper strut, tension strut, pull the hub, press out and in bearings, press hub back on and so forth. It's not a short or easy job.

Windstar knuckle - be sure you only need to remove the outer stub of half shaft as hs instructions pulls the whole thing out.
http://www.autozone.com/az/cds/en_us...rInfoPages.htm
bearing
http://www.autozone.com/az/cds/en_us...rInfoPages.htm
halfshaft
http://www.autozone.com/az/cds/en_us...rInfoPages.htm

Taurus-knuckle
http://www.autozone.com/az/cds/en_us...rInfoPages.htm
bearing
http://www.autozone.com/az/cds/en_us...rInfoPages.htm
halfshaft
http://http://www.autozone.com/az/cd...rInfoPages.htm

[windstarharv]

I've replaced the knuckle assmebly a couple of times before. These were junkyard units. I was wondering if the bearing could be removed without needing a press to do it.

[busboy4]

Originally Posted by windstarharv

I've replaced the knuckle assmebly a couple of times before. These were junkyard units. I was wondering if the bearing could be removed without needing a press to do it.

Hi
I don't believe so. In the later model years I think Ford went to bolt in bearings like GM. But in '98 I think you still had a pressed in bearing and hub. I have a '96 and carried the knuckle into a dealership as the manual indicated that there were specific jigs for the job. The shop charge at that time was $40. The service advisor indicated they occasionally will break the knuckle in the process and just in case had me "sign here" to free them of that responsibility. Hope that helps the decision process.

[windstarharv]

Thanks,
I just wanted to see if it could be done by hand

[tripletdaddy]

Sorry for the excessive post, some come here quite green and others are well seasoned. Couldn't tell by your post. You may consider reposting "Can 98 wheel bearing be manually pressed" as it may catch more of those who would know. I think, but could have been another application, they used a threaded rod, nuts, washers and hollow spacers like sockets and I'd think pipe would work too to get it it and out. The friend with a press works good too.

[windstarharv]

Do you know what the shaft protector looks like in the illustration for removing the hub with a 2 jaw puller? Unless I'm missing something it looks like the cap on the threaded rod of a C clamp.

[tripletdaddy]

It appears that way, but I've never seen it in person. I also expect that if it isn't large enough, it bears on a larger diameter plate that rests just within the outside diameter of the splined hub journal. I imagine the right size "foot" could be fabricated of grade 5 or 8 steel washers to accept the point of the puller. I suppose thick mild steel could work too.

[windstarharv]

I have an extra knuckle assembly. I think i'll just take it to a machine shop and have them install a bearing. I just figured I would work on this one since it is off the car and see if I could replace the bearing. Thanks for you help.