Here's a general outline of the procedure. Specific steps and tools may vary slightly depending on your truck's exact configuration. Always consult a repair manual specific to your year and model for detailed instructions and torque specifications. A Haynes or Chilton manual is a good investment.
Tools You'll Likely Need:
* Jack and jack stands: Essential for safety. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
* Wheel chocks: To secure the rear wheels.
* Lug wrench: To remove the wheel.
* Impact wrench (highly recommended): Makes removing and installing many of the nuts and bolts much easier. A breaker bar and sockets will work, but it will be significantly more time-consuming and physically demanding.
* Sockets and wrenches (metric): Various sizes will be needed.
* Ball joint separator (pickle fork or ball joint press): To separate the ball joint from the steering knuckle.
* Hub puller: To remove the wheel hub from the spindle. This is often a specialized tool.
* Hammer and punch: May be needed for stubborn parts.
* Penetrating oil (PB Blaster or similar): To loosen rusted or seized fasteners.
* Torque wrench: Crucial for tightening bolts to the correct specification. Improper torque can lead to premature failure or damage.
* Wheel bearing packing grease: Use a bearing grease specifically designed for wheel bearings.
* New wheel bearings and seals: Buy quality parts; don't skimp here.
* Safety glasses and gloves: Protect yourself from injury.
General Steps (Consult your repair manual for precise details):
1. Safety First: Park on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and chock the rear wheels.
2. Remove the Wheel: Loosen the lug nuts before jacking up the truck. Remove the wheel.
3. Disconnect Brake Caliper: Remove the caliper bolts and carefully hang the caliper out of the way. Do not let the brake line hang freely; support it.
4. Disconnect ABS Sensor (if applicable): Unplug the ABS sensor wire if your truck has ABS.
5. Remove the cotter pin and castle nut: From the top of the steering knuckle.
6. Separate the Ball Joint: Using a ball joint separator, carefully separate the lower ball joint from the steering knuckle.
7. Remove the Brake Rotor: Remove the brake rotor (may require some persuasion).
8. Remove the Wheel Hub: Use the hub puller to remove the wheel hub assembly from the spindle.
9. Remove the Old Bearing(s) and Seal(s): Carefully remove the old wheel bearings and seals from the hub assembly. This may require a bearing race and seal installer/remover tool set.
10. Clean and Inspect: Thoroughly clean the hub and spindle. Inspect for any damage.
11. Install New Bearings and Seals: Pack the new wheel bearings with bearing grease and install them into the hub assembly. Install the new seal(s).
12. Reassemble: Reassemble the hub assembly onto the spindle, making sure everything is properly seated.
13. Reinstall Everything: Reinstall the brake rotor, ball joint, caliper, wheel, and lug nuts. Torque everything to the manufacturer's specifications (found in your repair manual).
14. Test: Lower the vehicle and test the wheel for play. There should be no play (movement) in the wheel.
Important Considerations:
* Preload: The wheel bearings need to be correctly preloaded during installation. This ensures proper functionality and prevents premature failure. Your repair manual will provide specific instructions on how to achieve the correct preload.
* Torque Specifications: Use a torque wrench and follow the manufacturer's torque specifications exactly. Improper torque can damage components or lead to unsafe conditions.
* ABS Sensor: If your truck has ABS, be careful not to damage the ABS sensor during the process.
* Hub Assembly: Depending on the year and specific configuration, you might need to replace the entire hub assembly instead of just the bearings and seals.
This is a simplified overview. Again, refer to a repair manual specific to your 1997 Ford F-150 4x4 for detailed instructions, diagrams, and torque specifications. Attempting this repair without proper knowledge and tools can lead to damage to your vehicle or personal injury. If in doubt, consult a professional mechanic.
