Sable V6-183 3.0L DOHC VIN S MFI (1997)
Wheel Bearing: Service and Repair
Front
REMOVAL
CAUTION:
Do not begin this Removal procedure unless the following parts are available:
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A new front axle wheel hub retainer (Step 2).
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A new inboard halfshaft joint stub shaft circlip.
Once removed, these parts must not be reused during assembly. Their torque holding ability or retention capability is diminished during Removal.
REMOVAL
1. Turn ignition switch to the OFF position and place the steering column in the unlock position.
2. Remove front axle wheel hub retainer.
3. Raise vehicle on hoist.
4. Remove cotter pin from tie rod end stud and remove slotted nut. Discard cotter pin and nut.
NOTE: Make sure steering column is in the unlocked position, and do not use a hammer to separate tie rod end from the front wheel knuckle. Use
extreme care not to damage boot seal.
5. Using Tie Rod End Remover TOOL-3290-D or equivalent and Tie Rod End Remover Adapter T81P-3504-W, remove tie rod end from front
wheel knuckle.
6. Remove stabilizer bar link from front shock absorber.
CAUTION: Use extreme care not to damage boot seal. Do not use power tools to remove the nut, or bearing and seal damage will result. Loosen
the nut first, then remove nut from stud using the hex hold feature.
7. Remove disc brake caliper and support with wire to obtain working space. Do not allow disc brake caliper to separate from the front disc brake
caliper anchor plate to prevent contamination of the disc brake guide pin journals. Do not allow disc brake caliper to hang from front brake hose.
Remove front disc brake rotor from wheel hub by pulling it off the lug bolt. If front brake rotor is difficult to remove from front wheel knuckle,
strike front disc brake rotor sharply between lug blots with a rubber or plastic hammer. If front brake rotor will not pull off, apply Rust Penetrant
and Inhibitor D7AZ-19A501-AA or equivalent meeting Ford specification ESR-M99C56-A to inboard and outboard rotor/hub mating surfaces.
Install 3-Jaw Puller D80L-1013-A or equivalent and remove front disc brake rotor by pulling on front disc brake rotor outside diameter and
pushing on hub center. If excessive force is required for removal, check front disc brake rotor for lateral runout prior to installation.
8. Remove anti-lock brake sensor mounting bolt and front brake anti-lock sensor.
9. Remove and discard lower ball joint nut. Using Ball Joint Remover T96P-3010-A, separate lower ball joint from front suspension lower arm.
10. Using Rotunda Spring Compressor 164-R3571 or equivalent, compress front coil spring until lower ball joint clears front suspension lower arm.
