95 Windstar Front Wheel Bearing vs Taurus

[jmas]

I need to replace a front wheel bearing on my 95 Windstar. I have the Helms Manual for a 93 Taurus and it appears that the Bearing and Suspension are very Similar if not the Same. Can anyone confirm this?? I would like to use the procedure that I have in the Taurus Manual. Thanks

[wiswind]

The windstar is built on the Taurus platform.
HOWEVER......I am not sure what may have changed from '93 to '95.
I recommend you pay a visit to Autozone's website and look up the FREE repair information.....they will have the instructions, with diagrams on this repair.
In other threads, folks have removed the steering "nuckle" and taken it in to have a the old bearing removed and a new one pressed in.

[jmas]

Great - I forgot about the AutoZone site - I should be able to tackle the job tomorrow - Thanks again, JMAS

[tripletdaddy]

I'm pretty sure you will find them identical. If memory serves right, you can check for yourself at Autozone.com, the wheel bearings are the same part number. I have both vehicles as a 95, and thought they were the same setup in terms of r/r. Bearings and sway bar links and the only two parts I know of for certain that are identical. Driveshafts and hubs wouldn't surprise me, too.

Let us know of your fun, pointers, setbacks, what's easy, what's hard. Thanks. Good luck.

[jmas]

I removed the knuckle with a good deal of difficulty due to the rusted condition of most of the bolts and took it to my local auto shop for the pressing in of the bearing. The problem that I have now is that the bearing spun in the Hub and scored it. The Windstar Hub is not listed on any aftermarket parts list and seems to be available only from Ford at an outrages price.
Now I see the '95 Taurus wheel bearing repair kit (BCA National #520100) which includes the Hub being closed out through the Web dealers at around $50. I called the Manufacturer (Federal Mogul) who could not confirm compatibility with the Windstar. I wish there was more information available on parts interchangeability between these models. Any comments would be appreciated.

[Doug360]

Why don't you just head to your local wreckers and pick-up a used knuckle.