2001 Ford Crown Victoria Front Hub Bearing Fix

FORD CROWN VICTORIA
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ODNRK9
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I recently experienced a wheel bearing going bad, and through research online I found that the front hub must be removed and replaced. I have no idea how to do this. Can anyone advise? This is on a 2001 Ford Crown Vic Police Interceptor, with the 4.9L engine. It has 140,000+ miles.

Thanks much!
Feb 3, 2007 at 7:11 AM
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JEFTFIELDS
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should be able to remove front tire,brake assembly,rotor should slide off,remove the center bearing cap,remove the nut under the cap,slide off the bearing,as a unit, then just reverse the procedure.
Feb 3, 2007 at 9:28 AM
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TAURUSWHEEL
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He's pretty much right..A buddy of mine did it on a 99 Crown Vic,, the hub and bearing came off without a puller. Very important not to re-use the hub retainer, it is designed as a one-use piece.. If you re-use it, there's a chance it may back itself off and your assembly will fall off the car, or at the least cause major damage to the parts.. as long as you haven't damaged any related parts due to the bad bearing, shouldn't be too bad of a job.. unless Ford has totally changed their design.
Feb 3, 2007 at 10:35 AM
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ODNRK9
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Thanks for all the replies. Can anybody advise if the spindle lock nut comes with the replacement hub/bearing assembly?
Feb 3, 2007 at 12:20 PM
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SERVICE WRITER
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Not normally.
Feb 3, 2007 at 12:25 PM
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ODNRK9
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So I would have to locate one separately? Are those a common part to be found at a dealership?
Feb 4, 2007 at 5:32 AM
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SERVICE WRITER
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The dealership should have them, (if they don't it makes you wonder if they change them).

I have had the best luck with Timken brand myself, get the unit first and see what it has. I'd be surprized, but you never know!
Feb 4, 2007 at 8:14 AM
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ODNRK9
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Thanks for all the help. Doesn't make sense to me why the spindle locking nut wouldn't be included, especially when they advise to throw away the old one and replace with a new one. I fully intend to replace it with a new one, though.
Feb 4, 2007 at 4:20 PM
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SERVICE WRITER
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Like I said, get the unit and see, some do.

There are many strange and illogical situations within the auto repair world due to the human factor.
Feb 4, 2007 at 9:56 PM
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ODNRK9
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Thanks!
Feb 5, 2007 at 2:02 AM
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ODNRK9
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Well, I just picked up the part. No spindle lock nut. I had to order one. Can anybody advise what size it is, so I can be sure I have all the tools I need before I get started? Does it need torqued?

Thanks
Feb 5, 2007 at 7:51 AM
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SERVICE WRITER
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Torque spec is 221 ft lbs (300nm). Son't worry about the size the dealer will know which one. Aftermarket may list it, but....?
Feb 5, 2007 at 9:29 AM
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ODNRK9
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Just an update, but I did get the hub removed and the new one installed. Was a very simple process, as long as I had the correct tools. It only took about 1 hour. So, while I had it on the lift I rotated the tires and changed the differential lube. It was nice to do it all myself instead of taking it to a shop. Sort of a sense of accomplishment, I guess.
Feb 8, 2007 at 6:35 AM
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SERVICE WRITER
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Congrats !!


https://images.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/30961_happy1_1.jpg

Feb 8, 2007 at 8:30 AM

Suggested Repair

Replace the front hub and bearing assembly. Remove the wheel, brake assembly, and rotor, then remove the center cap and hub retainer nut and slide the hub off; a puller may not be needed. Do not reuse the one-time hub retainer or spindle lock nut—order a new one if it is not included with the hub. Torque the new nut to 221 ft-lbs and inspect related parts for damage from the failed bearing.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 2001 Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor needed to replace a failed front wheel bearing and asked how to remove the front hub. Replies described removing the tire, brake assembly, and rotor, then the center cap and retainer nut so the hub and bearing can slide off as a unit. Experts stressed that the hub retainer is single-use and should not be reused, noted that a spindle lock nut is often sold separately and available from a dealer, and gave a torque spec of 221 ft-lbs. The owner later reported completing the hub replacement in about an hour with the correct tools.

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