I think it time to replace my front drivers side wheel hub on my 2001 5.4 4x4 (130,000 miles). It makes a squeaking sound on left turns that get faster when I speed up. I have already rebuilt by front end (tie rods, all 4 ball joints, idler arm, pit man arm) with Moog parts.
I have the service manuals on DVD and this job looks pretty easy. I have also read some posts on the board as well. However, no one has mentioned having to replace the seal that is in the steering knuckle once you remove the hub. Is this nessacary? It is one of the steps in the Service Manual and it indicates you need a special tool Seal Replacer, Bearing Cup Replacer, etc...

Has anyone else replaced this seal? Any special tricks that are not in the service manual?

Thanks for the help!
Rich

 

Anyone?

 

Your manual shows how the seal replacer, the bearing cup replacer and the threaded draw bar are used on each side of the knuckle to pull the seal into the knuckle in as smooth straight fashion. The important thing is to not tear the rubber. You could tap it in with a pipe of the correct diameter but that would most likely require removing the knuckle to gain access to swing the hammer. If the seal is still in good condition you might want to leave it. But it is cheap insurance to replace it. Maybe your local parts store has a tool you can borrow.

Regards

Jean Marc Chartier

 

Any updates on the steering knuckle seal?
I just replaced a hub and the seal is bad. No one seems to have the seals or even know what they are.

 

My tip is replace both sides