Trying to replace front wheel hub/bearings

brainfreze27 · #1 06-10-2018, 08:54 PM

Hello
I am currently trying to replace the front wheel hubs on my 2001 Ford ranger 2.3l 4cyl 2wd truck. I am looking online for the front wheel hubs but I am only able to find 4wd replacement parts. Anyone know where I can find what I am looking for? I have checked ebay and other online shops but cant seem to find what I am looking for. Also if I buy the full wheel hub I assume it comes with brand new bearings inside and i just have to grease it up right? I am struggling to find what I need any help would be appreciated!

Undrstm8ed · #2 06-10-2018, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brainfreze27

Hello
I am currently trying to replace the front wheel hubs on my 2001 Ford ranger 2.3l 4cyl 2wd truck. I am looking online for the front wheel hubs but I am only able to find 4wd replacement parts. Anyone know where I can find what I am looking for? I have checked ebay and other online shops but cant seem to find what I am looking for. Also if I buy the full wheel hub I assume it comes with brand new bearings inside and i just have to grease it up right? I am struggling to find what I need any help would be appreciated!

You're only finding "hubs" for 4WD because you're using incorrect terminology. Hubs are ONLY on 4WD. You're 2WD so you have whats called a 'spindle' and ideally the "hub" as you're thinking is actually in the rotor(s) itself on 2WD. This is what you're looking for. My suggestion is Bendix, Raybestos, or Centric...
https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...hub,rotor,1896

After that...

Front Outer Bearing: 1 required per wheel
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...1372676&jsn=25

Front Inner Bearing: 1 required per wheel
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...1372676&jsn=30

Front Inner Seal: 1 required per wheel (inside only)
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...2676&jsn=10554

Outer Seal (technically): 1 required per wheel (only if yours are damaged)
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...2676&jsn=10562

Use old Spindle nut(s) washers, and retain what order they were in. I would suggest cleaning all reused parts with brake cleaner or gasoline after wiping out old grease that could be contaminated. Finishing off with the brake cleaner or gasoline option unless you have access to a parts washer. Otherwise a coffee can and some gas with an old tooth brush works well.

and for extra measures of being through..

If you need rears, let us know if you have the 7.5 rear or the 8.8 rear end and we can proceed from there...

brainfreze27 · #3 06-11-2018, 07:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Undrstm8ed

You're only finding "hubs" for 4WD because you're using incorrect terminology. Hubs are ONLY on 4WD. You're 2WD so you have whats called a 'spindle' and ideally the "hub" as you're thinking is actually in the rotor(s) itself on 2WD. This is what you're looking for. My suggestion is Bendix, Raybestos, or Centric...
https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...hub,rotor,1896

After that...

Front Outer Bearing: 1 required per wheel
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...1372676&jsn=25

Front Inner Bearing: 1 required per wheel
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...1372676&jsn=30

Front Inner Seal: 1 required per wheel (inside only)
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...2676&jsn=10554

Outer Seal (technically): 1 required per wheel (only if yours are damaged)
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...2676&jsn=10562

Use old Spindle nut(s) washers, and retain what order they were in. I would suggest cleaning all reused parts with brake cleaner or gasoline after wiping out old grease that could be contaminated. Finishing off with the brake cleaner or gasoline option unless you have access to a parts washer. Otherwise a coffee can and some gas with an old tooth brush works well.

and for extra measures of being through..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iY-KsCo-rI0

If you need rears, let us know if you have the 7.5 rear or the 8.8 rear end and we can proceed from there...

Wow huge thanks! This is the information I needed. I was totally confused about the whole situation. I really appreciate the reply and this will help me greatly. The guy at O'Rileys was trying to sell the hub to me good thing I didn't buy. Will any general purpose grease be good for the job.

Undrstm8ed · #4 06-11-2018, 11:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brainfreze27

Wow huge thanks! This is the information I needed. I was totally confused about the whole situation. I really appreciate the reply and this will help me greatly. The guy at O'Rileys was trying to sell the hub to me good thing I didn't buy. Will any general purpose grease be good for the job.

Yea It helps to know what you need by using the big box store parts store apps and then just go ask the counter monkey to look up that part # for a stock check... There is a meme out there where they depict an O'rileys counter guy asking for the vin number to identify windshield wipers for a vehicle application..

Use a good brand name bearing grease designed for high heat applications. Someone more fluent in fluids, oils, and lubrication might chime in something more specific but worse case, even O'really's carries a Wheel bearing grease made by Valvoline, I've used it many a times with no issues on daily grinders or track cars. I dont think you could go wrong there.