Front wheel bearings snap ring was left off during replacement, how to fix this?

2007 FORD EDGE
190,000 MILES • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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CHRISTY2025
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  • 1 POST
We needed to have the front bearings replaced. They needed to be pressed first, when the person pressed them, he did not add the snap ring to the new bearings. How do we fix this, or can we leave the snap ring off?
Jul 19, 2023 at 1:33 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 110,194 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
The snap ring is needed to prevent the bearing from moving from the steering knuckle. The only way to take care of it is to remove the steering knuckle so you will have access to the snap ring.

I attached a pic below showing the snap ring. Once the bearing is pressed into the steering knuckle, that snap ring prevents it from moving.

If you were my customer, I would recommend not driving it until that is installed.

Let me know if you have questions.

Take care,

Joe

See pic below.
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Jul 19, 2023 at 9:58 PM
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