Looking to replace front pads and maybe rotors this weekend. In a couple of the brake threads, people mentioned having to pack the bearings, etc if removing the rotors 2WD Ranger.

Is this for all years? How much of a task is this and are there some instructions on this somewhere?

I have a 2003 standard cab, 4cyl, 5 speed... pretty much standard truck with one option - AC.

 

Buy a new set of bearings and seals when you do this. It makes it cleaner, and is just that much more a "preventive maintenance" job. You defintely want a new seal no matter what.

You can remove the rotors and put the old ones back on without repacking.

But what you need to do if you are reusing your old bearings is clean them with brake cleaner or whatever to degrease them, dry them thoroughly, then do the repacking.

What is repacking? Forcing grease into the bearings with your hands (or a special tool is available -- much neater), spinning the bearing, and continuing to force grease into them. until they are well "packed" with grease.

Once they are packed, you can install them in the hub.

You will also put grease around them in the hub when you assemble them but don't fill the hub up completely. You need quite a bit of air space to allow expansion without blowing grease out past the seal and cap.

Look online for information about packing bearings and I bet you find some how-to's with pictures.

 

Changed the pads on Friday. Didn't bother with the rotors as they were still in good condition.

Got a great deal on the pads. I found some lifetime warrantee pads off a different vehicle (with receipt dated summer 03) in my basement. Autozone took them back and gave me the updated price too since they just scanned the box. I ended up getting the pads, grease, and a map light for 39 cents :-)

We also bled the brakes, which I think was a first for the vehicle. The fluid was pretty nasty.

 

Good deal! Well, you know what to do now if you ever do have to change the rotors.

 

hey john do you think this tool is really needed or even worth it?

 

im not john, but it makes it so much cleaner/easier.
all you have todo is make sure the packer is full and push down and your done.

 

I don't have one, despite repacking them every year because of how much time they spend underwater. I keep meaning to get one, but I haven't gotten around to it, lol.

They are much easier/neater -- but they are not necessary.