Wheel Grease Seal and Bearing, Front

Replacement and Repacking

 CAUTION: Use of incompatible bearing lubricant could result in premature lubricant breakdown.

The recommended wheel bearing lubricant is the lithium-base grease High Temperature 4x4 Front Axle and Wheel Bearing Grease E8TZ-19590-A or equivalent meeting Ford specification ESA-M1C198-A.

Sodium-base grease is not compatible with lithium-base grease and should not be intermixed. Therefore, before lubricating front or rear wheel bearings (1225), thoroughly clean all old grease from the bearing and front disc brake hub and rotor (1102).

If bearing adjustment does not eliminate looseness or rough and noisy operation, clean and inspect the front disc brake hub and rotor and bearings. If bearing cups or the cone and roller assemblies are worn or damaged, replace.

Disassembly

1. Raise vehicle and install safety stands.

2. Remove the wheel and tire. Refer to Section 04-04.

3. Remove the locking hubs. Refer to Locking Hubs in the Removal and Installation portion of this section.

4.  CAUTION: Do not let the disc brake caliper (2B120) hang only by the hose, or damage may occur to the hose or disc brake caliper.

   Remove the disc brake caliper. Refer to Section 06-03. Securely wire the disc brake caliper to the frame.

5. For vehicles equipped with automatic locking hubs, remove C-ring or snap ring and three-piece thrust washers (spacers). Remove the cam assembly and wheel bearing nut retaining key. Remove wheel bearing retainer (nut) using Hub Nut Wrench T95T-1197-A (F-150, Bronco) or T95T-1197-B (F-250, F-350).

   Repack the wheel bearings with the specified lubricant (grease).

   
   
   
   
   

For Bronco and F-150 with manual locking hubs, remove C-ring, three-piece thrust washers, the outer lock nut, lockwasher and inner lock nut with Hub Locknut Wrench T83T-1197-B. For F-250 and F-350 vehicles with manual locking hubs, remove snap ring, three-piece thrust washers (spacers), the outer lock nut, lockwasher, and inner lock nut with Spanner Locknut Wrench D85T-1197-A.

6. Remove the front disc brake hub and rotor. The front outer wheel bearing will slide out as the hub is removed.

   
   
   
   
   

7. Remove the retaining nuts of the front wheel spindle (3105). Carefully remove the front wheel spindle from the knuckle studs and halfshaft (3A329). If necessary, lightly tap the end of the spindle with a rawhide hammer to remove.

8. Clean old grease from the needle bearings and the bore seal of the front wheel spindle. To replace spindle bearing or inner seal, refer to Section 05-03A or Section 05-03B.

9. For F-150 and Bronco only, inspect spindle outer rolling diaphragm seal (RDS). Replace as necessary. To remove spindle RDS, pull seal by hand. If necessary, place front wheel spindle in a vise being careful not to damage spindle. Pry seal off with screwdriver. For all vehicles, inspect axle shaft seal (rolling diaphragm seal). Replace as necessary. Refer to Section 05-03A or Section 05-03B.

10. Clean any old grease or dirt from these parts and replace if signs of excessive wear are noted.

Assembly

1. Using High-Temperature 4x4 Front Axle and Wheel Bearing Grease E8TZ-19590-A or equivalent meeting Ford specification ESA-M1C198-A, thoroughly lubricate the needle bearing and coat the front wheel spindles or face that mates with the seals of the front wheel spindle.

2. Assemble the front wheel spindle over the halfshaft onto the knuckle studs. Tighten the retaining nuts to 68-81 Nm (50-60 lb-ft) (Models 50 and 60) or 47 Nm (35 lb-ft) (Model 44).

3. For F-150 and Bronco only, install outer spindle rolling diaphragm seal (RDS) to the front wheel spindle. Seat the RDS by lightly tapping on the inner sheet metal lip of the seal using Spindle Seal Replacer T95T-3132-C with Driver Handle T83T-3132-A1 and a hammer to make sure it is seated squarely.

   
   
   Spindle Rolling Diaphragm Seal, F-150 and Bronco Only
   
   
   
   
   

4. Remove the front inner wheel bearing, wheel hub grease seal (1190) from the front disc brake hub and rotor using Bearing Cup Puller T77F-1102-A and Impact Slide Hammer T50T-100-A. Inspect bearings and replace as necessary.

5. Inspect the bearing cups for pits or cracks. If necessary, remove with a drift. If new cups are installed, install new cones and rollers.

6. Lubricate the bearings with High Temperature 4x4 Front Axle and Wheel Bearing Grease E8TZ-19590-A or equivalent meeting Ford Specification ESA-M1C198-A. Clean all old grease from the front disc brake hub and rotor. Pack the cones and rollers. If a bearing packer is not available, work as much lubricant as possible between the rollers and the cages.

7.  CAUTION: Inboard face of wheel bearing can is the running surface of the spindle rolling diaphragm seal (RDS). Any nicks or bends on the seal can surface will cause improper sealing.

   Position the front inner wheel bearing in the inner cup and install the new wheel hub grease seal using a hammer, Driver Handle T80T-4000-W and the proper seal installer (Hub Seal Replacer T95T-1175-A for F-150 and Bronco).

   
   
   
   
   

8. Carefully position the hub and disc assembly on the front wheel spindle.

9. Install the front outer wheel bearing, and wheel retainer nut or lock nuts and lockwashers.

10. Adjust the wheel bearings. Refer to Front Wheel Bearing in the Adjustments portion of this section.

11. For vehicles with automatic locking hubs, install cam assembly. Refer to Automatic Locking Hubs.

12.  CAUTION: Improper sequence of three-piece thrust washers will result in excessive wear of assembly.

    Install three-piece thrust washers (first metal, second plastic, third splined) and C-ring or snap ring on the halfshaft groove.

13. Install tire and wheel (1007) as described in Section 04-04.

14. Install the locking hubs. Refer to Locking Hubs in the Removal and Installation portion of this section.

15. Remove the safety stands and lower the vehicle.