How to Change a Wheel Bearing on a 2002 Mountaineer

Mercury introduced Mountanieer SUV in 1997. It shares a platform with the Ford Explorer which was introduced intoduced in 1991. The 2002 Mountaineer was powered by a 4.0-liter V-6 or a 4.6-liter V-8, automatic or manual transmission and two- or four-wheel-drive. Mountaineers made after 2001 are fitted with fully independent four-wheel suspension in both two- or four-wheel-drive configurations. The front wheel bearings on the Mountaineer are integrated into a hub and bearing assembly that is replaced as a unit.

Instructions

Removal

1

Park the Mountaineer on a level, paved surface and set the parking brake. Loosen the lug nuts on the front wheels with a ratchet and a socket. Raise the front of the Mountaineer with a jack and support with jack stands. Finish removing the wheels and lug nuts.

2

Unbolt the brake caliper with a ratchet and socket. Support the caliper with a piece of wire tied to the coil spring. Letting the caliper hang by the rubber hose can damage the hose. Unbolt the caliper bracket with a ratchet and socket and remove it.

3

Remove the rotor. You can now see the hub assembly attached to the steering knuckle. Remove the bolt that attaches the wheel speed sensor to the hub with a ratchet and socket. Pull the sensor from the hub and lay it aside.

4

Move to the rear of the steering knuckle and remove the three hub bolts with a ratchet and socket. Pull the hub assembly from the knuckle. You may have to pull from side-to-side to get it out. If it is stuck, gently tap back and forth with a rubber mallet.

Installation

5

Mount the new hub assembly onto the steering knuckle, making sure the hole for the wheel sensor is in the same position. Install the three mounting bolts in the back of the knuckle and use a torque wrench and socket to torque the bolts to 83 foot-pounds.

6

Install the wheel speed sensor and bolt. Use an inch-pound torque wrench and socket to torque the bolt to 13 inch-pounds.

7

Mount the caliper bracket, install and torque the bolts to 155 foot-pounds. Mount the caliper, install and torque the bolts to 32 foot-pounds.

8

Mount the wheel and install the lug nuts hand tight. Raise the front of the Mountaineer, remove the jack stands and lower it to the ground. Torque the lug nuts to 100 foot-pounds.