Before you begin:
* Consult a repair manual: A Haynes or Chilton manual for your specific year and model Ford Tempo is essential. It will provide detailed instructions, torque specifications, and diagrams crucial for success. Improper torque can damage components.
* Gather tools: You'll need a variety of tools, including:
* Socket set (metric) with various extensions and a breaker bar.
* Wheel lug wrench
* Jack and jack stands (SAFETY FIRST: Secure the vehicle properly)
* Ball joint separator
* Bearing race and seal installer/remover tools (highly recommended)
* Hammer and punches (brass or plastic are best to avoid damage)
* Penetrating oil (like PB Blaster)
* Grease
* Torque wrench
General Steps (Consult your repair manual for precise details):
1. Safety First: Park on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and use jack stands to securely support the vehicle after lifting it with a jack. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
2. Remove the wheel: Loosen the lug nuts before jacking up the car. Remove the wheel.
3. Remove the brake caliper: Remove the caliper bolts and carefully hang the caliper out of the way using a wire or bungee cord. Do not let the brake line hang freely.
4. Remove the rotor: Remove the rotor (brake disc).
5. Disconnect the cotter pin and remove the castle nut: Use a socket and breaker bar to remove the large nut holding the wheel bearing in place. Note the position of the cotter pin.
6. Separate the knuckle and hub assembly: This is where specialized tools often come into play. You'll likely need a ball joint separator to separate the ball joint from the control arm. This step can be tricky.
7. Remove the old bearing and race: This requires special tools to remove the inner and outer races without damaging the hub assembly. Improper removal can ruin the hub.
8. Clean and inspect: Clean all components thoroughly before installation. Inspect the hub for damage.
9. Install the new bearing and race: Use the proper tools to install the new bearing and races. Again, the correct tools are vital here to prevent damage.
10. Reassemble: Reassemble everything in reverse order, paying close attention to proper torque specifications found in your repair manual. This includes the castle nut, ensuring the cotter pin is installed correctly.
11. Check for play: After reassembly, check for play in the wheel bearing. There should be no play. If there is, you'll need to troubleshoot and likely repeat some steps.
12. Test drive: Test drive the vehicle carefully to ensure the repair was successful.
Important Considerations:
* Hub assembly replacement: In many cases, it's more cost-effective and less prone to errors to replace the entire hub assembly instead of trying to press in new bearings. This often simplifies the process significantly.
* Pressing tools: Investing in a bearing race installer/remover set is highly recommended; attempting this without the correct tools is risky.
* Professional help: If you are not comfortable with this level of automotive repair, take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic. Improperly installed bearings can lead to serious safety hazards.
This is a simplified overview. Refer to a repair manual for your 1988 Ford Tempo for detailed, step-by-step instructions and torque specifications. This is crucial for a safe and successful repair. Failure to follow correct procedures can lead to damage to your vehicle and potential injury.
