Wheel Bearing Tools

[mharrison]

Does anyone have the specialty tools needed to change a rear wheel bearing on an 01 LS? I was wondering if anyone had these tools I could borrow, or for sale/rent. My dealer wants $500 for the knuckle and $200 to put it on. I guess they don't know how to replace bearings?

I found the bearing itself for about $40 and my Dad's diesel shop has a nice hydraulic press. The manual shows a need for 5 specialty tools to remove/replace the hub and bearing. I think that is more tools than parts!

1. Hub Remover/Replacer
   204-069 (T81P-1104-C)
   
2. Metric Hub Remover Adapter
   205-237 (T86P-1104-A1)
   
3. Metric Hub Remover Adapters
   204-085 (T83P-1104-BH)
   
4. Step Plate Adapter Set
   205-DS011 (D80L-630-A) or Equivalent
   
5. Universal Bearing Puller
   205-055 (T71P-4621-B)

 

[jumpman6235]

i thought they dont make bearings for the LS, i think you need to buy the whole knuckle assembly...

 

[2001LS8Sport]

It's not that they don't know how to replace just the bearing, it's that Ford doesn't want it repaired that way. They want the entire assy replaced. I suspect there's a good reason for that or otherwise, they would replace just the bearing for warranty purposes to keep the costs down.

 

[mharrison]

A bearing is a bearing. It's pressed in where they put the knuckle together. It can be pressed in where I put the knuckle together.

Also, the factory manual has the entire procedure for bearing replacement including pictures and "special tools".

Ford doesn't want it repaired that way. They want the entire assy replaced. I suspect there's a good reason for that or otherwise, they would replace just the bearing for warranty purposes to keep the costs down.

Is it easier to replace the knuckle? Sure.

Is it cheaper?
For the dealer it probably is, since their mechanics make quite a bit per hour. It is probably more cost effective for them to replace the whole knuckle as it is quicker. Once you get the knuckle off you are about 1/3 of the way done timewise. So you are probably partially right, in that they do the work the way that keeps the costs down.

Is it cheaper for me in my garage to just replace the knuckle? Not by a longshot. My hourly rate is much more reasonable than the dealer. (For me anyway!)

I went through this same crap with a pressed bearing in the front of my 2000 Blazer. Chevy sells the whole assembly for about $400. (They used to sell the bearings, but quit). I got a $30 Timken bearing (which is the manufacturer for the factory) and pressed it in. Now 20k miles later it is still fine.

 

[PM80]

I know they are not usually the best tools, but autozone rents most of the tools you could need. Or find one and make it work.