Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting replacing rear axle bearings

Has anyone installed new bearings on the rear axle of a 98 CSVT?? What size of socket will I need for the axle nut, I dont own any that size so I will have to buy one. Are there any other special tools that I will need for the job?? Any help will be appreciated.

It's a 32mm Socket. You'll have to remove the rear calipers so if you don't have the proper Torx bits, now's the time.

The part you want is called the 'rear hub assembly'. Cost about $52 a side. I got 'em from a local Parts Plus.

Not hard to do, just follow the procedure and take your time. Make sure you break the hub nut loose with the wheel on the ground. The 'prevailing torque' hub nut requires some 'honking' to get it loose.

Also, a bit of grease on the stub shaft make installing the
new part a bit easier.

AL

Our 99 Contour has drum brakes and changing the bearing assemble was much easier than I expected. I couldn't find the right socket and ended up using a large adjustable wrench. Not elegant, but it worked.

You need a torque wrench capable of 200 Ft pounds to tighten the hub nut. You canâ??t do it with anything else.
The spec is 170-192 ft pounds. Also, never use a hammer or bang on the Hub (say to remove a stuck drum or rotor) this will damage the bearing.

jeff

I had to do mine. The parts at the dealer were twice at what NAPA wanted. It was an easy job. You do have to borrow a torque wrench from somebody. The ford service manual recommends to change out the nut as well, but the Haynes manual says you can resuse the nut. I bought a new axle nut anyways.


The hub comes off real easy, no banging required!