Ford BL3Z-4621-B
Bearing Assembly, Rear Inner

The repair or service of the Ford 9.75-inch ring gear rear wheel bearing and axle shaft seal needs the removal of axle shafts as the first step. A new axle shaft oil seal installation should be performed carefully so as not to harm the oil seal bore. A compatible tool should be used for removing and disposing of worn-out axle shaft oil seal. Check the rear wheel bearing along with the axle shaft for any signs of wear and damage. The Axle Bearing Remover and Slide Hammer equipment should be used to remove the rear wheel bearing. Apply axle lubricant to the new rear wheel bearing after which you can install it with the Axle Bearing Installer and Handle combination. Apply lubrication on the new axle shaft oil seal lip before inserting it properly with the Axle Oil Seal Installer and Handle. Finally, reinstall the axle shaft.

The procedure for checking wheel bearings begins with hoisting the vehicle so that front tires clear floor level while the wheels point in a straight line. The air suspension switch needs to be turned off before tire work because unwanted air spring alteration can make the car move. A manual spin of the tire will help detect roughness in wheel bearings while verifying the brake pads are in a position that enables unhindered movement of both wheel and tire assembly. To inspect the front wheel bearing, lift the weight off it while you move the wheel through its entire width by gripping the tire at the top and the bottom. Test the tire and wheel (hub) on the spindle by checking for looseness and free rotation while avoiding roughness when spun because vehicles with inner and outer bearings will require new bearing or cup replacement to address wear and damage. This procedure requires replacement of the wheel hub when a vehicle only has one sealed bearing.

Service and repair operations for wheel bearing and wheel hub assembly should start with NEUTRAL gear position while using a hoist to support the vehicle. Allowing the brake hose to support the caliper and anchor plate assembly will cause damage so mechanics should use mechanic's wire to support the assembly while removing the bolts. Reinstallation should be performed by tightening caliper and anchor plate assembly bolts at 200 Nm (148 ft. lbs.). The wheel hub nut needs to be taken off next but when installing the part tighten it at 400 Nm (296 ft. lbs.). Remove the brake disc/wheel bearing and wheel hub assembly while avoiding lubrication on the wheel spindle threaded end. After cleaning the thread-end area of the wheel spindle with the recommended solvent the technician will follow all reverse steps to perform an installation. The replacement process requires using brand-new components with matching part numbers along with applying specified torque values for fastener retention of vital suspension systems.

Before starting to work on wheel bearing and wheel hub servicing you must position a vehicle in NEUTRAL mode and place it on a hoist. Support the brake hose by removing the bolts that secure the caliper and anchor plate assembly to avoid brake hose damage. Mechanical wire should be used for support. The proper torque value for both caliper and anchor plate assembly bolts during reinstallation is 200 Nm (148 ft. lbs.). Start by taking out the brake disc before discarding the wheel hub nut followed by installing a fresh nut and torquing it up to 400 Nm which equals 296 ft. lbs. Extract the wheel bearing combined with the wheel hub then release the wheel bearing from the hub if needed. When installing the brake disc you must avoid applying lubrication to the spindle threads while cleaning the spindle up to the threads using specified solvent. Set up the bearing reassembly by applying specified lubricant to the bearing assembly inner race to make the process easier. Symmetric replacement of new matching parts and respect of all torque requirements during installation will guarantee both component retention and proper functionality of vital suspension elements.

Keep the hub centered on the spindle to avoid damaging the grease seal or spindle threads.

Install the outer bearing cone and roller assembly, flat washer, and adjusting nut.

Remove any burrs, nicks, or scratches with emery cloth.

Remove and discard the halfshaft nut, and ensure to tighten the new nut to 300 Nm (221 lb-ft) during installation.

Remove the outer bearing cone and roller assembly, then pull the hub assembly from the spindle.

Remove the wheel and tire assembly.

Ensure all lubricant is removed from the bearings, hub, and axle spindle, and inspect for any pitting, spalling, or unusual wear.

Use a slide hammer and bearing seal remover to carefully extract them without damaging the bearing cage.

Reverse the removal procedure to complete the installation, ensuring all new parts are installed with the same part numbers or equivalent parts, and adhere to specified torque values for proper retention.

Begin by removing the wheel and tire assembly.

Remove and discard the halfshaft nut.

Reseat the bearing cups if necessary.

Replace both bearings and bearing cups, as it is recommended to replace them in sets.

The brake disc can stay attached to the DRW hub when using a longer driver handle for bearing cup and seal removal.

Loosely install the outer wheel bearing cone and roller assembly along with the flat washer, and do not tighten the nut yet.

Adjust the wheel bearing end play as needed, then position the brake caliper and anchor plate assembly, installing the two bolts and tightening them to 225 Nm (166 ft. lbs.).

Work lubricant between the rollers and cages instead.

Carefully use a slide hammer and bearing seal remover.

Keep the assembly centered on the wheel spindle to avoid damaging the grease seal and spindle threads, then position the assembly onto the spindle.

Inspect the cups for scratches, pits, or cracks, and replace them if necessary.

Clean the spindle, including the threaded end, with the specified solvent and do not apply lubricant to the threaded end.

Use a suitable hub puller.

Take care not to let the caliper hang from the brake hose to avoid damage.

Remove the four wheel bearing and hub assembly bolts, the wheel bearing assembly, and the wheel speed sensor as an assembly, discarding the bolts and tightening the new ones to 185 Nm (136 ft. lbs.) during installation.

Remove the brake disc and the four bolts securing the wheel bearing and wheel hub assembly.

Reverse the steps taken during removal.

Remove the brake disc and the four bolts securing the wheel bearing and wheel hub, discarding the bolts and tightening the new ones to 175 Nm (129 lb-ft) upon installation.