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    Ford Ranger/Bronco II 1983-1990 Repair Guide

    Front Wheel Bearings

    Print

    REMOVAL & INSTALLATION



    See Figure 1

    Click image to see an enlarged view

    Fig. Fig. 1: Inspect the bearings for abnormal wear and/or damage

    With Manual Locking Hubs

    See Figures 2 through 17

    1. Raise the vehicle and install jackstands.
      2.  
    2. Remove the wheel and tire assembly.
      3.  
    3. Remove the retainer washers from the lug nut studs and remove the manual locking hub assembly from the spindle.
      4.  
    4. Remove the snapring and spacer from the end of the spindle shaft.
      5.  
    5. Remove the outer wheel bearing locknut from the spindle using 4 prong spindle nut spanner wrench, T86T-1197-A or equivalent. Make sure the tabs on the tool engage the slots in the locknut.
      6.  
    6. Remove the locknut washer from the spindle.
      7.  
    7. Remove the inner wheel bearing locknut from the spindle using 4 prong spindle nut spanner wrench, T86T-1197-A or equivalent. Make sure the tabs on the tool engage the slots in the locknut.
      8.  
    8. Remove the outer bearing cone and roller assembly from the hub. Remove the hub and rotor from the spindle.
      9.  
    9. Using seal removal tool 1175-AC or equivalent remove and discard the grease seal. Remove the inner bearing cone and roller assembly from the hub.
      10.  
    10. Clean the inner and outer bearing assemblies in solvent. Inspect the bearings and the cones for wear and damage. Replace defective parts, as required.
      11.  
    11. If the cups are worn or damaged, remove them with front hub remover tool T81P-1104-C and tool T77F-1102-A or equivalent.
      12.  
    12. Wipe the old grease from the spindle. Check the spindle for excessive wear or damage. Replace defective parts, as required.
      13.  



    Click image to see an enlarged view

    Fig. Fig. 2: Before beginning the wheel bearing removal, and after the outer hub is removed, wipe off any excess grease



    Click image to see an enlarged view

    Fig. Fig. 3: After the grease is wiped off, remove the axle shaft snapring ...



    Click image to see an enlarged view

    Fig. Fig. 4: ... then pull the splined spacer from the axle shaft end



    Click image to see an enlarged view

    Fig. Fig. 5: Use a 4 pronged socket to loosen the outer wheel bearing locknut ...



    Click image to see an enlarged view

    Fig. Fig. 6: ... then remove the outer locknut



    Click image to see an enlarged view

    Fig. Fig. 7: Remove the lockwasher from behind the outer locknut ...



    Click image to see an enlarged view

    Fig. Fig. 8: ... then loosen and remove the inner locknut-note the lockwasher engagement pin (arrow)



    Click image to see an enlarged view

    Fig. Fig. 9: While pushing inwards on the rotor/hub assembly, remove the outer wheel bearing ...



    Click image to see an enlarged view

    Fig. Fig. 10: ... then pull the rotor/hub assembly from the spindle, taking care not to scratch the bearing cups in the hub



    Click image to see an enlarged view

    Fig. Fig. 11: Pry out the grease seal on the back of the rotor/hub assembly ...



    Click image to see an enlarged view

    Fig. Fig. 12: ... then remove the inner wheel bearing. Thoroughly clean and inspect all of the parts for wear or damage

    To install:
    1. If the inner and outer cups were removed, use bearing driver handle tool T80-4000-W or equivalent and replace the cups. Be sure to seat the cups properly in the hub.
      2.  
    2. Use a bearing packer tool and properly repack the wheel bearings with the proper grade and type grease. If a bearing packer is not available work as much of the grease as possible between the rollers and cages. Also, grease the cone surfaces.
      3.  
    3. Position the inner bearing cone and roller assembly in the inner cup. A light film of grease should be included between the lips of the new grease seal.
      4.  
    4. Install the grease seal by driving in place with hub seal replacer tool T83T-1175-B and Driver Handle T80T-4000-W.
      5.  
    5. Install the hub and rotor assembly onto the spindle. Keep the hub centered on the spindle to prevent damage to the spindle and the retainer.
      6.  
    6. Install the outer bearing cone and roller assembly
      7.  
    7. Carefully install the rotor onto the spindle. Install the outer wheel bearing in the rotor.
      8.  
    8. Install the inner adjusting nut with the pin facing out. Tighten the inner adjusting nut to 35 ft. lbs. (47 Nm) to seat the bearings.
      9.  
    9. Follow the appropriate wheel bearing adjustment procedures.
      10.  



    Click image to see an enlarged view

    Fig. Fig. 13: After packing the bearing with grease, position a new seal to the rotor/hub assembly ...



    Click image to see an enlarged view

    Fig. Fig. 14: ... then, using the correct seal installer, drive the seal into the rotor/hub until it is fully seated



    Click image to see an enlarged view

    Fig. Fig. 15: Ensure that the pin on the inner locknut engages one of the holes of the lock washer



    Click image to see an enlarged view

    Fig. Fig. 16: Tighten the outer wheel bearing locknut to specification



    Click image to see an enlarged view

    Fig. Fig. 17: Install the splined axle shaft spacer then the snapring

    With Automatic Locking Hubs

    See Figures 18, 19 and 20

    1. Raise the vehicle and install jackstands.
      2.  
    2. Remove the wheel and tire assembly.
      3.  
    3. Remove the retainer washers from the lug nut studs and remove the automatic locking hub assembly from the spindle.
      4.  
    4. Remove the snapring and spacer from the end of the spindle shaft.
      5.  



    Click image to see an enlarged view

    Fig. Fig. 18: Exploded view of the locking cam, thrust washers, locking key and bearing adjuster nut



    Click image to see an enlarged view

    Fig. Fig. 19: Remove the wheel bearing adjusting nut after removing the locking key from under it

    1. Pull the locking cam assembly and the two plastic spacers off of the wheel bearing adjusting nut.
      2.  
    2. Use a magnet and remove the locking key from under the adjusting nut. If required, rotate the adjusting nut slightly to relieve pressure against the locking key.
      3.  


    WARNING
    To prevent damage to the adjusting nut and spindle threads on vehicles equipped with automatic hubs, look into the spindle keyway under the adjusting nut and remove the separate locking key before removing the adjusting nut.

    1. Remove the wheel bearing locknut using a 2- 3 / 8 inch (60.3mm) hex socket, such as Hex Locknut Wrench T70T-412-B.
      2.  
    2. Remove the outer bearing cone and roller assembly from the hub. Remove the hub and rotor from the spindle.
      3.  
    3. Using seal removal tool 1175-AC or equivalent remove and discard the grease seal. Remove the inner bearing cone and roller assembly from the hub.
      4.  
    4. Clean the inner and outer bearing assemblies in solvent. Inspect the bearings and the cones for wear and damage. Replace defective parts, as required.
      5.  
    5. If the cups are worn or damaged, remove them with front hub remover tool T81P-1104-C and tool T77F-1102-A or equivalent.
      6.  
    6. Wipe the old grease from the spindle. Check the spindle for excessive wear or damage. Replace defective parts, as required.
      7.  

    To install:
    1. If the inner and outer cups were removed, use bearing driver handle tool T80-4000-W or equivalent and replace the cups. Be sure to seat the cups properly in the hub.
      2.  
    2. Use a bearing packer tool and properly repack the wheel bearings with the proper grade and type grease. If a bearing packer is not available work as much of the grease as possible between the rollers and cages. Also, grease the cone surfaces.
      3.  
    3. Position the inner bearing cone and roller assembly in the inner cup. A light film of grease should be included between the lips of the new grease seal.
      4.  
    4. Install the grease seal by driving in place with hub seal replacer tool T83T-1175-B and Driver Handle T80T-4000-W.
      5.  
    5. Install the hub and rotor assembly onto the spindle. Keep the hub centered on the spindle to prevent damage to the spindle and the retainer.
      6.  
    6. Install the outer bearing cone and roller assembly.
      7.  
    7. Carefully install the rotor onto the spindle. Install the outer wheel bearing in the rotor.
      8.  
    8. Install the adjusting nut and tighten 35 ft. lbs. (47 Nm) to seat the bearings.
      9.  
    9. Follow the appropriate wheel bearing adjustment procedures.
      10.  



    Click image to see an enlarged view

    Fig. Fig. 20: When installing the outer hub cover, align the cam pockets with the legs on the cover

    ADJUSTMENT



    With Manual Locking Hubs

    See Figure 21



    Click image to see an enlarged view

    Fig. Fig. 21: Exploded view of the manual locking hubs and wheel bearings

    1. Raise the vehicle and install jackstands.
      2.  
    2. Remove the wheel and tire assembly.
      3.  
    3. Remove the retainer washers from the lug nut studs and remove the manual locking hub assembly from the spindle.
      4.  
    4. Remove the snapring and spacer from the end of the spindle shaft.
      5.  
    5. Remove the outer wheel bearing locknut from the spindle using 4 prong spindle nut spanner wrench, T86T-1197-A or equivalent. Make sure the tabs on the tool engage the slots in the locknut.
      6.  
    6. Remove the locknut washer from the spindle.
      7.  
    7. Loosen the inner wheel bearing locknut using 4 prong spindle nut spanner wrench, tool T86T-1197-A or equivalent. Make sure that the tabs on the tool engage the slots in the locknut and that the slot in the tool is over the pin on the locknut.
      8.  
    8. Tighten the inner locknut to 35 ft. lbs. (47 Nm) to seat the bearings.
      9.  
    9. Spin the rotor and back off the inner locknut 1 / 4 turn. Install the lockwasher on the spindle. Retighten the inner locknut to 16 inch lbs. (1.8 Nm). It may be necessary to turn the inner locknut slightly so that the pin on the locknut aligns with the closest hole in the lockwasher.
      10.  
    10. Install the outer wheel bearing locknut using 4 prong spindle nut spanner wrench, tool T86T-1197-A or equivalent. Tighten locknut to 150 ft. lbs.
      11.  
    11. Install the axle shaft spacer.
      12.  
    12. Clip the snapring onto the end of the spindle.
      13.  
    13. Install the manual hub assembly over the spindle. Install the retainer washers.
      14.  
    14. Install the wheel and tire assembly. Install and torque lug nuts to specification.
      15.  
    15. Check the end-play of the wheel and tire assembly on the spindle. End-play should be 0.001-0.003 in. (0.01-0.076mm) and the maximum torque to rotate the hub should be 1 inch lbs. (2.8Nm).
      16.  

    With Automatic Locking Hubs

    See Figure 22



    Click image to see an enlarged view

    Fig. Fig. 22: Exploded view of the automatic locking hubs and wheel bearings

    1. Raise the vehicle and install jackstands.
      2.  
    2. Remove the wheel and tire assembly.
      3.  
    3. Remove the retainer washers from the lug nut studs and remove the automatic locking hub assembly from the spindle.
      4.  
    4. Remove the snapring and spacer from the end of the spindle shaft.
      5.  
    5. Pull the locking cam assembly and the two plastic spacers off of the wheel bearing adjusting nut.
      6.  
    6. Use a magnet and remove the locking key from under the adjusting nut. If required, rotate the adjusting nut slightly to relieve pressure against the locking key.
      7.  


    WARNING
    To prevent damage to the adjusting nut and spindle threads on vehicles equipped with automatic hubs, look into the spindle keyway under the adjusting nut and remove the separate locking key before removing the adjusting nut.

    1. Loosen the wheel bearing locknut using a 2- 3 / 8 inch (60.3mm) hex socket, such as Hex Locknut Wrench T70T-412-B.
      2.  
    2. Tighten the inner locknut to 35 ft. lbs. (47 Nm) to seat the bearings.
      3.  
    3. Spin the rotor and back off the inner locknut 1 / 4 turn (90°). Retighten the locknut to 16 inch lbs. (1.8 Nm).
      4.  
    4. Align the closest lug in the bearing adjusting nut with the center of the spindle keyway slot. Advance the nut to the next if required.
      5.  
    5. Install the separate locking key in the spindle keyway under the adjusting nut.
      6.  


    CAUTION
    Extreme care must be taken when aligning the adjusting nut with the center of the spindle keyway slot to prevent damage to the separate locking key. The wheel and tire assembly may come off while the vehicle is in motion if the key is damaged.

    1. Install the two plastic thrust spacers and push or press the cam assembly onto the adjusting nut by lining up the keyway in the cam assembly with the separate locking key.
      2.  


    WARNING
    Do not damage the locking key when installing the cam assembly.

    1. Install the axle shaft spacer.
      2.  
    2. Clip the snapring onto the end of the spindle.
      3.  
    3. Install the manual hub assembly over the spindle. Install the retainer washers.
      4.  
    4. Install the wheel and tire assembly. Install and torque lug nuts to specification.
      5.  
    5. Check the endplate of the wheel and tire assembly on the spindle. End-play should be 0.001-0.003 in. (0.01-0.076mm) and the maximum torque to rotate the hub should be 1 inch lbs. (2.8Nm).
      6.  

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