Aerostar 2WD V6-3.0L VIN U (1997)
Wheel Bearing: Service and Repair
Front
REMOVAL
Wheel bearing lubricant is a lithium-base grease, Premium Long-Life Grease XG-1-C or -K or equivalent meeting Ford specification ESA-M1C75-B.
CAUTION: Sodium-base grease is not compatible with lithium-base grease. Do not intermix. Do not lubricate front wheel bearings without first
thoroughly cleaning all old grease from the bearing. Use of incompatible bearing lubricants could result in premature lubricant breakdown.
1. Raise the vehicle until the tire clears the floor. Remove wheel and tire from front disc brake hub and rotor.
NOTE: If bearing adjustment will not eliminate looseness or rough and noisy operation, the hub and bearings should be cleaned, inspected, and
repacked with specified wheel bearing grease. If the bearing cups or the cone and roller assemblies are worn or damaged, they should be replaced.
2. Remove the front disc brake caliper from the front wheel spindle, and wire to the underbody to prevent damage to the brake hose.
3. Remove the grease cap from the front disc brake hub and rotor.
4. Remove the cotter pin, retainer, adjusting nut, and flat washer from the front wheel spindle. Discard the cotter pin.
5. Remove the front wheel bearing.
6. Pull the front disc brake hub and rotor assembly off the front wheel spindle.
7. Using Grease Seal Remover TOOL 1175-AC or equivalent to remove and discard the grease seal.
NOTE: Perform the following steps if the original front disc brake hub and rotor assembly are to be reinstalled.
8. Remove the bearing cone and roller from the front disc brake hub and rotor.
9. Clean the inner and outer bearing cups with solvent. Inspect the cups for scratches, pits, excessive wear, and other damage. If the cups are worn or
damaged, remove with Front Hub Remover/Replacer T81P-1104-C and Bearing Cup Puller T77F-1102-A.
10. Using Rotunda Asbestos Brake Drum System with Vacuum 091-00025 or equivalent remove all loose dirt and dust from the front disc brake hub
and rotor. Wipe all old lubricant from the front wheel spindle and the inside of the front disc brake hub and rotor.
11. Cover the front wheel spindle with a clean cloth, and brush all loose dust and dirt from the front disc brake rotor shield.
12. Carefully remove the cloth from the front wheel spindle to prevent dirt from falling onto front wheel spindle.
INSTALLATION
1. Thoroughly clean old grease from the surrounding surfaces. If a new front disc brake hub and rotor assembly is being installed, remove the
protective coating using carburetor degreaser.
