1994 Explorer 4X4 wheel bearings

I would like to repack or replace the outer front wheel bearings on my Explorer. The truck has almost 200k and I just want to repack or replace the front outer bearings. Will I need to remove the rotor to perform this?
I have manual locking hubs would need to remove the outer spindle nut , washer and inner spindle nut but need to know if this gives me the access to the outer bearings. I have limited time to work on this truck and am hoping that I will not have to remove the caliper and rotor if possible.

Thanks for any help.

 

why don't you just wait til you have more time and do the whole job correctly. Wheel bearings are serviced by the axle, so plan on pulling the rotors, calipers, locking hubs and all and just service the entire front end...that way you don't have to worry about what you might have missed by not disassembling the entire thing. don't forget to replace the wheel seals when you do it...

 

Thanks for responding.

Your advice makes sense and is the same advice that I'm getting from some co-workers. I hope the weather in the Northeast changes soon; it seems to rain every weekend here.

Thanks again,

 

Would anyone know if the race that the bearings are seated on is pressed in from the outside or the inside of the hub?
I plan to disassemble today and it may be obvious but I haven't done this before and do not want to force the race in the wrong direction when I try to remove it.

thanks,

 

both inner and outer bearing races are installed from the outside of the hub. the inner race installs from the rear back side of the hub while the outer installs from the area that faces you as you look at it. clean your old bearings up and look at them. if they have no pitting, dents or discoloration...they are reusable. always replace a bearing as a set...that is bearing with race...never a new bearing in an old race. make sure to force grease completely thru the bearing before installing into the race and use a high quality grease that is made for wheel bearings.

 

Thanks so much,

I replaced races and bearing (inner and outer) on both drivers side and passangers side and it was just as you said. It took some time and effort to get the races out but it was well worth it. what a difference.

thanks again,

 

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