Safety First:
* Jack up the vehicle securely: Use jack stands rated for the weight of your vehicle. Never work under a car supported only by a jack.
* Use safety glasses and gloves: Protect yourself from flying debris and grease.
* Disconnect the battery's negative terminal: This prevents accidental shorts.
Tools You'll Likely Need:
* Jack and jack stands
* Lug wrench
* Wheel chocks
* Socket set (metric)
* Torque wrench
* Hammer
* Pry bar
* Penetrating oil (like PB Blaster)
* Bearing race and seal installer/remover tools (highly recommended)
* New wheel bearings (ensure you get the correct part number for your Mustang)
* Clean rags
* Grease
General Steps (This is a simplified overview. Consult your repair manual for detailed instructions):
1. Preparation: Park on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and chock the wheels. Remove the wheel and tire.
2. Brake Caliper Removal: Remove the brake caliper and hang it safely out of the way using a wire or bungee cord. *You may need to compress the caliper piston before removal.*
3. Rotor Removal: Remove the rotor (brake disc). It may be held on by bolts or simply slide off.
4. Hub Nut Removal: Remove the hub nut. This nut is often very tight and may require a breaker bar and impact wrench. Use penetrating oil to help loosen it. Note the position of the nut before removing it; you'll need to replace it in the exact same way.
5. Hub Assembly Removal: Depending on your Mustang's design, the hub assembly may be removed as a complete unit, or you might need to separate components. The bearing is likely pressed into the hub. This is where specialized tools are often needed. Your repair manual will detail this.
6. Bearing Removal and Installation: Using the appropriate tools, carefully remove the old wheel bearing from the hub. Install the new bearing, ensuring proper seating and orientation. Again, specialized tools are highly recommended here to avoid damaging the new bearing.
7. Reassembly: Carefully reverse the steps to reassemble the components, ensuring everything is properly aligned and torqued to specification. Pay close attention to the order of assembly and torque specifications found in your repair manual.
8. Final Checks: Double-check all bolts and nuts for proper torque. Rotate the wheel to ensure it spins freely without any binding or noise. Reinstall the wheel and tire.
9. Test Drive: After reassembly, perform a test drive to confirm proper operation and listen for any unusual noises.
Important Considerations:
* ABS Sensor: Your ABS sensor might be integrated into the hub assembly. Handle it carefully during removal and reinstallation.
* Torque Specifications: Always follow the torque specifications for your specific vehicle found in your repair manual. Incorrect torque can lead to premature failure or damage.
* Pre-loaded Bearings: Many modern wheel bearings are pre-loaded at the factory. Improper installation can ruin these bearings.
* Professional Help: If you are not comfortable performing this repair, it's best to take your Mustang to a qualified mechanic. Improperly installed wheel bearings can be dangerous.
This is a general overview. Always consult a repair manual specific to your vehicle's year and model for detailed instructions and torque specifications. Improperly installed wheel bearings can lead to serious safety issues. If you're unsure about any step, seek professional help.
