> Mine is a 2003 two wheel drive. The tires have about 4000 miles on them and
> rotating them doesn't have any affect. It is worse turning to the right,
> and the you just have to turn the steering wheel a slight bit. Does anyone
> know where a person can buy the hub/wheel bearing assy. and what the cost
> is on them?
Already checked autozone and a couple of other parts store chains. They
don't have it. From what I understand the 2003 explorer 2WD has wheel
bearing/hub assy made by Timken. And it has to be replaced as a complete
assy. The reason I'm leaning toward this being the problem. is when I took
it by a repair shop, they test drove it and believed this is my problem.
They wanted $758 to do the job
Clark - 10 May 2005 13:44 GMT
> Already checked autozone and a couple of other parts store chains. They
> don't have it. From what I understand the 2003 explorer 2WD has wheel
> bearing/hub assy made by Timken. And it has to be replaced as a complete
> assy. The reason I'm leaning toward this being the problem. is when I took
> it by a repair shop, they test drove it and believed this is my problem.
> They wanted $758 to do the job
I'd suggest being real careful with that shop. Normally, wheel bearing
problems are diagnosed by directly examining the "play" in the hub to spindle
connection, e.g. wiggling the tire while the car is on jackstands (or
similar).
Big Shoe - 10 May 2005 19:15 GMT
Hard to believe a wheel bearing has failed on a two year old vehicle
unless it was not adjusted properly and failed due to being too tight
or too loose. I believe the outer race is part of the hub assembly,
so would have to be replaced when the bearing is replaced.
>> Already checked autozone and a couple of other parts store chains. They
>> don't have it. From what I understand the 2003 explorer 2WD has wheel
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
>connection, e.g. wiggling the tire while the car is on jackstands (or
>similar).
Pedrodog - 29 Jan 2006 11:45 GMT
Did you ever get this problem fixed? Iam having the same problem with my
2002xlt. Took it to goodyear and the front wheels are loose (wriggle).
Bearings are bad...they are sealed. So you replace whole assembly. Only
53,000 miles on car and I have extended warranty. So I hope they cover
it. Why do I love explorers?
NCV-VT - 12 May 2005 02:28 GMT
2002 Explorer XLT with V-8, 61,000 one owner miles in 3 years miles and now
I've got three bad wheel bearings (both rear and driver's side front).
Seems awful quick to wear out. They are the newer "hub and bearing assembly"
but expensive. Auto mechanic buddy says Ford OEM and replacement bearings
are Chinese in original and recommends replacing with SKF (US made and
higher quality) at same price. Anyone got any better ideas? Refutation
of the info re source of parts?
> Already checked autozone and a couple of other parts store chains. They
> don't have it. From what I understand the 2003 explorer 2WD has wheel
> bearing/hub assy made by Timken. And it has to be replaced as a complete
> assy. The reason I'm leaning toward this being the problem. is when I took
> it by a repair shop, they test drove it and believed this is my problem.
> They wanted $758 to do the job