Disclaimer: Working on your car carries inherent risks. If you are not comfortable performing this repair, it's strongly recommended you take it to a qualified mechanic. Improperly installed wheel bearings can lead to serious safety hazards.
Tools You'll Likely Need:
* Jack and jack stands: Absolutely crucial for safety. Never work under a car supported only by a jack.
* Wheel chocks: To prevent the car from rolling.
* Lug wrench: To remove the wheel.
* Torque wrench: Essential for tightening bolts to the correct specification.
* Socket set and wrenches: Various sizes will be needed, depending on your specific vehicle.
* Hammer and punch: Possibly needed for removing stubborn parts.
* Bearing press or suitable alternative: This is crucial for safely installing the new bearing. Improper installation can damage the bearing. A DIY method might involve using a socket and a sturdy block of wood, but this requires skill and caution.
* Penetrating oil (like PB Blaster): To help loosen rusted or seized bolts.
* New rear wheel bearing(s): Make sure you get the correct part number for your vehicle.
* Grease: For packing the new bearing.
* Clean rags or shop towels: To keep things clean.
* Repair manual: Specific to your year and model Ford Taurus or Mercury Sable.
General Steps (Again, consult your repair manual for specifics):
1. Safety First: Engage the parking brake, chock the front wheels, and raise the rear of the vehicle securely using the jack and jack stands.
2. Remove the Wheel: Remove the lug nuts and the wheel.
3. Remove the Brake Caliper and Rotor: This usually involves removing the caliper mounting bolts and carefully hanging the caliper out of the way. You might need to compress the caliper piston to allow the rotor to be removed. Some models require removing the parking brake assembly.
4. Remove the Axle Nut: This is often a large nut that requires significant torque to remove. You'll need a strong breaker bar and potentially an impact wrench.
5. Remove the Axle Flange: This will vary depending on the year and model. Sometimes it requires removing several bolts or it may slide off once the axle nut is removed.
6. Remove the Old Bearing: This is where the bearing press comes in. This process can be difficult and may involve carefully removing the retaining ring and then using the press to push out the old bearing from the hub. If you're doing it without a press, extreme care is needed to avoid damaging the hub or the new bearing.
7. Clean and Inspect: Thoroughly clean the hub assembly to remove any old grease, rust, or debris. Inspect the hub for any damage.
8. Pack the New Bearing with Grease: Pack the new bearing with fresh high-quality wheel bearing grease.
9. Install the New Bearing: Use the bearing press (or your carefully chosen alternative) to install the new bearing. Ensure it's seated correctly and firmly.
10. Reassemble Everything: Carefully reverse the disassembly steps, ensuring everything is properly aligned and tightened to the correct torque specifications (found in your repair manual). Pay close attention to the axle nut torque.
11. Lower the Vehicle: Carefully lower the vehicle and remove the jack stands.
12. Test Drive: Take a short test drive to verify the repair. Listen carefully for any unusual noises.
This is a simplified overview. The actual process can be more complex depending on your vehicle's specific design. Always consult a repair manual specific to your vehicle's year and model before attempting this repair. If you are not comfortable with any of the steps, it's best to seek professional help from a qualified mechanic. Incorrectly installed wheel bearings are a serious safety hazard.
