How do you change the front bearing on the 95 ford escort LX wagon?

Answer 1

first of all be sure you have a "jaw type puller" a 2 or 3 jaw puller should work and a "torx" bit set usually between T35 to T50. and you will also need a hydraulic shop press, this is the only way to remove the cartridge bearing from the hub and the knuckle. if you dont have access to a shop press find a local automotive machine shop they should be able to press out the old bearing and press in the new bearing they usually charge about 30-45 bucks to do this do NOT attempt to use a hammer to remove the bearing, doing this will only cause the cartrige bearing to "mushroom out" and with every blow it will become increasingly more difficult until it seizes. How to change front wheel bearings on a 95 escort. first jack the car up and place a jackstand underneath the car then remove the wheel, once the wheel is off get a old srewdriver and stick it in the rotor so that it will not rotate. then use a hammer and chissel or stake to raise the flat spot on the big axle nut that prevents it from loosening, you will need a large socket with a "breaker bar" then remove the big nut that is in the center of the hub, these are usually torqued to 170 ft lbs. so it will not come off easy you might have to get a steel pipe to get more leverage on the breaker bar. then you'll need to remove the tie rod nut be sure to pull out the cotter pin first. once the nut is off the tie rod end will most likely be stuck you can use a hammer on the underside of the tierod end body but dont hit the threaded portion unless the nut is threaded on part way to protect the threads. if you still cant remove the tierod get a "pickle fork" from an auto parts store then insert the pickle fork between the tierod and steering knuckle and hammer until it pops off *note if you use the pickle fork method you will need a new tie rod end as the fork will destroy the protective rubber grease seal allowing dirt to wear out the tierod end. and you will have to have the front end alligned by a professional shop. After the tierod is off remove the brake caliper bolts using a "torx" bit with a rachet, you can let the caliper hang on the hose but you should use a piece of wire to hang the caliper out of your way while you work. then slide the rotor off the hub now get your jaw puller and attach it to the hub flange and center of the axle and tighten until the axle is pushed through the splines. now remove the 18mm bolts from the strut where it meets the steering knuckle, then unbolt the balljoint from the lower control arm after you remove the knuckle assemly take it to a maching shop and bring your new bearing so they can press it in. installation is reverse of removal be sure to grease the axle spines before reassembly so its easier to push through the hub. and when tightening the big axle nut torque it to 170 ft lbs if you have a torque wrench if not get it really tight! and be sure to use your chissle to stake in that flat spot so the nut wont come loose