bearing service

When replacing the rotors, the entire hub must be replaced, so the wheel bearings have to be inspected/repacked with grease.

Here's how it's done:

1.  Remove the dust cap.  It's probably best to plan ahead and buy two new ones.  They are difficult to remove without destroying.  I was able to get mine off with a small strap wrench and some gentle persuasion with a small ball peen hammer.

2.  Remove the cotter pin/retainer and axle wheel nut and drop the hub.

3.  Repack the bearings.  Make sure that you use high-temp rated grease.  Regular chassis grease will melt in no time.  I keep a separate grease gun loaded with hi-temp grease.  Although it can be done by hand, you can't beat the $5 bearing packers available at any auto parts stores.  Pump the grease through until the new grease is oozing out of the cage, and you're done.  Slap a little extra grease in the hub and replace the bearings.

4.  Tighten the axle nut.  This is the tricky part.  Ford has an elaborate procedure for doing this.

a.  While rotating the rotor CW, tighten nut to 30 ft.lbs.

b.  While rotating CW, loosen 2 turns.

c.  While rotating CCW, tighten to 17-24 ft.lbs.

d.  While rotating CW, loosen 1/2 turn.

d.  While rotating CW, tighten to 17 INCH lbs.

5.  Replace the cotter pin/retainer and dust cover.