Does anyone have any advice about changing both front wheel bearings on a 1997 4wd standard cab? Both of mine are shot and need replaced.

 

Timken brand only!

 

I would go through ford for bearings. I've seen every kind that local parts stores have and ford seems to have the best quality.

 

like a ford dealer? does anyone have any advice or a how to on how to actually replace them?

 

Yeah just go to a ford dealer. Not sure how to replace them on a 4wd though my truck is 2wd. Do you know how to pack the bearings?

 

its fairly straight forward. I did mine a few years ago by removing tie-rod end at the knuckle, and the upper balljoint. Push the cv through the knuckle/hub (easiest is to unbolt it from the stub shaft on axle) then there are 3 bolts that hold the hub/bearing assembly to the knuckle. (ABS connector also)

If its too much of a fight just remove the whole knuckle.

 

Camo--I have a 03 4wd and you can't "repack" them. You just buy new ones and bolt them up as its all an assembly. I THOUGHT all 97-03s were this way but I could be wrong. Check out RockAuto.com for good prices. Hope it helps---DirtySCREW

 

Timken is who has made them for Ford, GM etc for 40+ years!

 

Okay, learn something new everyday lol. Didn't know timken made them and didn't know you didn't have to pack them, figured it was similar to mine.

 

Yep, definitely Timken. Get them at Auto Zone. Advanced & Napa don't carry them!

 

take off the brake system from the knuckle... then use a 25mm socket ( i think going off the top of my head) unbolt the center nut. on the back of the knuckle there are 3 15mm bolts, take those out, use a gear puller, pull the bearing off. put the new one on. tighten all the bolts put the nig nut back on puit the rotor and caliper back on.....in a nut shell