How do you remove front hubs on 1997 F350 4x4?

Answer 1

I assume you need bearings replaced? I can't think of any other reason someone would want to torture themselves working on this vehicles front-end. It is a rugged, but never-the-less problematic, bit of engineering. I own 2, and despite contemplating suiside every time I need to work on them, I love these trucks very much and I would buy another if I had the need. This is not an easy or quick job and the potential for big mistakes is high for a novice mechanic. It should only be attempted by a really good amateur mechanic or professional. I would pay someone to do it who has done it several times if I needed to get it done again. But, if you feel confident then get a Haynes manuel, have a good memory, take some strong anti-depressants and take notes and digital pics as you go. The front hubs have a special nut that needs to be removed with a special round socket that has 4 nubs around the outside ring of it that fit in four holes on the large retainer nut. You need some patience and care with removing everything and re-assembling it all properly but that is the only special tool you need, besides a torx bit nut driver, which if you don't have you should get anyway for your toolbox. Get new wheel bearings grease seals and a small tub of good quality wheel bearing grease. Pressure wash inside and outside hub and fender area really well. and spray all bolts, nuts and hardware with brake-clean and then wd-40 or what-ever for any nut or bolt that can be seen or found. Use never-seize on anything going back in later that has threads or slides....everything!!. Dis-assemble slowly and carefully keeping track of the order of things and keep everything clean. You will need to fight with a retainer clip and a locking perforated washer set behind the large nuts in the hub. (This washer set has to go back in properly based on torque on the large nut and lock into place for re-installation to be successful). The outer bearing should be accessible, cleaned, tested, replaced or regreased and set into a zip-lock until needed. The whole hub has to come off for the inner bearing and by the time you get this far it should be apparent what you need to do...or you should never have started. Good cleaning and grease replacement goes a long way. Take your time and do it right or you'll have major problems. Good luck. Mark.

Answer 2

You need to jack up the car, remove the a rear axle carrier and the yoke drive shaft. After that remove, repeat the reverse process to change the hub.