Hi, new to ranger-forums, long time ranger guy,

I recently bought an '03 XLT Supercab 3.0, with about 120k miles. The truck needs a few maintanence issues addressed, and my mechanic shop tells me that my front brake rotors are below spec thickness and should be replaced. I thought this was a very minor problem, as I have replaced rotors on a few cars over the years, but they told me that the bearings are actually inside the rotors on this vehicle and it's a complicated job, and I should pay them to do it (about $900 w/ parts and labor).

YouTube makes the job look pretty straight forward and although I have never replaced anything like a wheel bearing before, I am pretty sure I can do it on my own. I have done lots of general maintenance on all kinds of vehicles, oil changes, brake jobs, plugs & wires, etc., but they have made me doubt myself a little on this job by telling me they don't suggest I try.

So my question is to those who have done this job before, is my mechanic just trying to make a buck (or thinks I'm too dumb to do it), or is it too much for the weekend do-it-yourself owner to handle? Should I try to replace the rotors and bearings on my own? Thanks in advance!

(I can look up YT videos/repair manual for the actual process myself, but any tips or really good guides are also appreciated!)

 

Assuming it's a 2WD truck, then yes, the bearings are in the rotor. It's not overly difficult. I've not done a Ranger like this, but I've done other vehicles where the bearings were in the brake drum. Biggest thing is to take your time, make sure you have the right grease and have the bearings packed well (any method that gets the grease fully into the bearings is the correct method - not to start a holy war on this). It's a little bit of a feel on the proper torque for the spindle nut. My Haynes manual specifies a three step tightening process.

1. 17 to 25 foot pounds
2. Back off 1/2-turn
3. 18 to 20 INCH pounds

Use new seals and clean everything prior to reassembly. Good luck.

 

Thanks for the info, I like to be "over-prepared" so I will be picking up a repair manual first and watching several YouTube videos in order to get a few different perspectives on it. Looks like it is time to go buy a nice torque wrench, I haven't ever really needed one until now but I want to get this right. Thanks again!

 

Look here.
I Have a 2011 2wd with same thing. it is not difficult at all just a little lengthy for the first time.