Wheel Bearing and Wheel Hub: Removal
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2011 Mercury Milan, 2011 Lincoln MKZ, and 2011 Ford Fusion. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
NOTE:
Suspension fasteners are critical parts because they affect performance of vital components and systems and their failure may result in major service expense. New parts must be installed with the same part numbers or equivalent part, if replacement is necessary. Do not use a replacement part of lesser quality or substitute design. Torque values must be used as specified during reassembly to make sure of correct retention of these parts.
NOTE:
This procedure is shown in illustration for the LH side, the RH side is similar.
NOTE:
If removing the wheel hub, a new wheel bearing must be installed.
- With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to JACKING & LIFTING article.
- Remove the wheel and tire. For additional information, refer to WHEELS & TIRES article.
- Remove the bolts and the underbody shield, if equipped.
- Remove the 4 screws position the fender splash shield aside.
- Remove the 6 pin-type retainers (4 shown in illustration) from the splash shield.
- Remove the upper stabilizer bar link nut and separate from the stabilizer bar.
- Remove the lower control arm-to-strut through bolt and flagnut.
- Remove the outer tie-rod end cotter pin and nut.
- Discard the cotter pin.
- Using the Ball Joint Separator, separate the outer tie-rod end from the knuckle.
- Remove the front lower arm-to-subframe bolt.
- Discard the bolt.
- If equipped, remove the wheel speed sensor bolt.
- If equipped, remove the wheel speed sensor harness bolt and position the wheel speed sensor aside.
- Remove the brake flexible hose bracket-to wheel knuckle bolt and position the hose and bracket aside.
- Remove and discard the wheel hub nut.
- Remove the bolts and position the caliper and anchor plate assembly aside.
- Support the caliper and anchor plate assembly using mechanic's wire.
- Remove the 2 brake disc bolts and the brake disc.
- Using a wax pencil (or equivalent) apply witness marks to the vehicle and subframe to aid in installation.
- Position a suitable jackstand under the subframe.
- Remove the 4 front subframe support bracket bolts.
- Remove the 2 front subframe rear nuts and remove the front subframe support bracket.
- Partially lower the subframe, to allow removal of the rear lower arm-to subframe bolt.
- Remove the rear lower arm-to subframe bolt.
- Discard the bolt and washer.
- Using the Front Hub Remover, separate the halfshaft from the wheel hub.
- Using mechanics wire or equivalent, support the halfshaft.
- Remove and discard the upper ball joint nut.
- Using the Steering Arm Remover, separate the upper ball joint from the wheel knuckle and remove the wheel knuckle assembly.
- Using the Step Plate, press the wheel hub from the wheel bearing.
- If necessary, using the Drive Pinion Bearing Cone Remover, press the inner wheel bearing race from the wheel hub.
- Remove the snap ring.
- Using the Wheel Hub Cup Remover/Installer, press the wheel bearing from the wheel knuckle.
NOTE:
Do not use a hammer to separate the outer tie-rod end from the wheel knuckle or damage to the wheel knuckle may result.
NOTE:
Apply the brake to keep the halfshaft from rotating.
NOTE:
Do not allow the caliper and anchor plate assembly to hang from the brake hose or damage to the hose can occur.
NOTE:
Do not remove the front subframe forward bolts, loosen to allow the front subframe to be lowered.
NOTE:
This step may not be necessary if the inner wheel bearing race remains on the wheel bearing after removing the wheel hub.