1998 Windstar Rear Wheel Bearing

Flyingjackal456 · 06-18-2008, 12:23 AM

Well I had the front to bearings done last year. Bearing #3 (Passenger Rear) has been making noises for a long time (that wierd 40MPH whine I was wondering about maybe 1-2 years ago).... now it is starting to bind up a tiny bit.

I was wondering it the assemblies at autozone, rock auto, etc. are just bolt ons or if the assembly needs to be pressed on the car. I recently found out that I do have access to a hydraulic press. (Wish I knew that last year, could have saved me like 500 bucks on the front bearings.)

I want to know what is involved with replacing the rear wheel bearing assembly.

vindctar · 06-18-2008, 01:36 AM

I don't know but this is what Autozone has to say about replacing the rear wheel bearing AutoZone.com | Vehicle Selection - Year.

drzoidberg · 06-19-2008, 01:42 PM

They bolt on, according to the Haynes manual. Sure looks like it's designed to bolt on, too. The assembly is the entire hub and bearing. Spindle nut holds it on I think. I have one sitting on my table waiting for me to work up the nerve to attack the old one (also on the right passenger side, seems like the pass. side ones go out first. Had a front passenger bearing go out a few thou ago but the driver's side is still tight).

If you do the replacement, post back how it goes, please. I've been waiting on doing mine until I get some air tools to handle that spindle nut, (I remember the one on the front was bad even with an impact wrench), but I'm curious if there are any "gotchas" doing the job.

Flyingjackal456 · 06-20-2008, 01:54 PM

I plan on doing it really soon the windstar has a big summer ahead of it. gotta finish the mechanical issues (wheel bearing, stalling), then bodywork, Paint, wheels, rear spoiler, smoked lights, and custom dash trim. Then if I still have money... audio.

Not going for the ricer look, but i tiny bit of sport or class is nice. Bring it up to par with my new toyotas. After all the rest of the van is jealous of that new engine.