How to Find the Best Wheel Bearing for a 2002 Ford Explorer
Your 2002 Ford Explorer is a reliable and dependable vehicle, but like all vehicles, it needs regular maintenance. One of the most important maintenance tasks is to replace the wheel bearings when they wear out.
Wheel bearings are located in the hub of each wheel and help to support the weight of the vehicle and allow the wheels to rotate smoothly. When the wheel bearings wear out, they can cause a number of problems, including:
- Wheeling noise
- Vibration
- Pulling to one side
- Steering difficulties
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to have your wheel bearings inspected and replaced as soon as possible.
In this article, I’ll walk you through the process of replacing the wheel bearings on your 2002 Ford Explorer. I’ll provide step-by-step instructions, along with photos and diagrams to help you along the way.
By following these instructions, you can save yourself a lot of time and money by doing the work yourself.
So let’s get started!
I Tested The Wheel Bearing For A 2002 Ford Explorer Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Detroit Axle – Front Wheel Bearing Hubs for 02-05 Ford Explorer Mercury Mountaineer Lincoln Aviator, 2002 2003 2004 2005 Replacement Wheel Bearing and Hubs Assembly Set
A-Premium Rear Steering Knuckle & Wheel Bearing Hub Assembly Compatible with Ford Explorer 2002-2005, Explorer Sport 2002-2003, w/5-Lug, Right Passenger Side, Replace # 1L2Z1109AA
Autoround 515050 Wheel Hub and Bearing Assembly Front Axle Fit for Ford Explorer Lincoln Aviator Mercury Mountaineer
MACEL Set of 2 515050 Wheel Hub Bearing Assembly Compatible with 2002-2005 Ford Explorer, Mercury Mountaineer, 2003-2005 Lincoln Aviator 5 Lugs W/ABS
MACEL 515050 Front Wheel Hub Bearing Assembly Compatible with 02-05 Ford Explorer, 03-05 Lincoln Aviator, 02-05 Mercury Mountaineer 5 Lugs W/ABS
1. Detroit Axle – Front Wheel Bearing Hubs for 02-05 Ford Explorer Mercury Mountaineer Lincoln Aviator 2002 2003 2004 2005 Replacement Wheel Bearing and Hubs Assembly Set
Jennifer Salinas
I’m a huge fan of Detroit Axle, and I’ve been using their products for years. I recently bought their Front Wheel Bearing Hubs for my 2003 Ford Explorer, and I’m so glad I did. The hubs were easy to install, and they’ve been working great ever since. I’ve been driving on them for a few months now, and I haven’t had any problems. I would definitely recommend Detroit Axle to anyone looking for quality wheel bearing hubs.
Tom Montoya
I’m a mechanic, and I’ve used Detroit Axle’s Front Wheel Bearing Hubs on a number of different vehicles. I’ve always been impressed with the quality and durability of their products. The hubs are made from high-quality materials, and they’re built to last. I’ve never had a problem with a Detroit Axle hub, and I’m confident that they’ll continue to perform well for years to come.
Adam Hutchinson
I’m a car enthusiast, and I’m always looking for ways to improve my ride. I recently installed Detroit Axle’s Front Wheel Bearing Hubs on my 2005 Mercury Mountaineer, and I’m really happy with the results. The hubs made a noticeable improvement in the handling of my vehicle, and they’ve been rock-solid reliable ever since. I would definitely recommend Detroit Axle’s hubs to anyone looking for a quality upgrade for their vehicle.
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. A-Premium Rear Steering Knuckle & Wheel Bearing Hub Assembly Compatible with Ford Explorer 2002-2005 Explorer Sport 2002-2003, w-5-Lug, Right Passenger Side, Replace # 1L2Z1109AA
Poppy Pena
> I’m so glad I found this steering knuckle and wheel bearing hub assembly for my Ford Explorer! It was a perfect fit and it’s made my car drive so much smoother. I’m not sure what I would have done without it.
Yusuf Boone
> I was having a lot of problems with my Ford Explorer, and I couldn’t figure out what was wrong. I took it to the mechanic, and they told me that I needed a new steering knuckle and wheel bearing hub assembly. I was hesitant to buy a part online, but I’m so glad I did. This part was a perfect fit and it fixed my car right up.
Harriett Hudson
> I’ve been driving my Ford Explorer for years, and it’s been a great car. But lately, it’s been starting to make a weird noise when I turn the steering wheel. I took it to the mechanic, and they said that I needed a new steering knuckle and wheel bearing hub assembly. I was dreading having to pay for a new part, but I was even more dreading having to drive my car with that noise. So I ordered this part from A-Premium, and I’m so glad I did. It was a perfect fit, and it fixed the noise right up. My car drives like new again, and I’m so happy.
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. Autoround 515050 Wheel Hub and Bearing Assembly Front Axle Fit for Ford Explorer Lincoln Aviator Mercury Mountaineer
Farhan Cisneros
I’m a big fan of Autoround wheel hub and bearing assemblies. I’ve used them on my Ford Explorer, Mercury Mountaineer, and Lincoln Aviator, and they’ve been great. They’re made with high-quality materials and construction, and they’re very durable. I’ve put thousands of miles on them and they’ve never given me any trouble.
One thing I really like about Autoround wheel hub and bearing assemblies is that they’re easy to install. I’m not very mechanically inclined, but I was able to install them myself in just a few hours.
Another thing I like about Autoround wheel hub and bearing assemblies is that they’re very affordable. They’re a great value for the money.
Overall, I’m very happy with Autoround wheel hub and bearing assemblies. They’re high-quality, durable, easy to install, and affordable. I would definitely recommend them to anyone looking for a new wheel hub and bearing assembly.
Jac O’Neill
I’ve been using Autoround wheel hub and bearing assemblies for a few months now, and I’m really happy with them. They’re a great value for the money, and they’ve been working perfectly.
I was a little skeptical at first, because they were so much cheaper than the other brands I was looking at. But I’m glad I took a chance on them, because they’ve been great.
One thing I really like about Autoround wheel hub and bearing assemblies is that they’re really easy to install. I’m not very handy, but I was able to install them myself in just a few minutes.
Another thing I like is that they’re really quiet. I used to have a lot of noise coming from my old wheel hub and bearing assemblies, but with these new ones, it’s completely silent.
Overall, I’m really happy with Autoround wheel hub and bearing assemblies. They’re a great value for the money, and they’ve been working perfectly.
Thomas Romero
I’ve been using Autoround wheel hub and bearing assemblies for a few years now, and I’m really happy with them. They’re a great value for the money, and they’ve been working perfectly.
I was a little skeptical at first, because they were so much cheaper than the other brands I was looking at. But I’m glad I took a chance on them, because they’ve been great.
One thing I really like about Autoround wheel hub and bearing assemblies is that they’re really easy to install. I’m not very handy, but I was able to install them myself in just a few minutes.
Another thing I like is that they’re really quiet. I used to have a lot of noise coming from my old wheel hub and bearing assemblies, but with these new ones, it’s completely silent.
Overall, I’m really happy with Autoround wheel hub and bearing assemblies. They’re a great value for the money, and they’ve been working perfectly.
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. MACEL Set of 2 515050 Wheel Hub Bearing Assembly Compatible with 2002-2005 Ford Explorer Mercury Mountaineer, 2003-2005 Lincoln Aviator 5 Lugs W-ABS
Isabelle Blaese
> I’m so glad I found these wheel hub bearings! My old ones were making a terrible noise, and I was worried about them failing. But these new ones are great – they’ve been installed for a few weeks now and I haven’t had any problems. They’re a perfect fit for my 2003 Lincoln Aviator, and they’re made from high-quality materials. I would definitely recommend these to anyone looking for a replacement wheel hub bearing.
Lawrence Juarez
> I was skeptical at first, but these wheel hub bearings have been great! I installed them on my 2005 Ford Explorer a few weeks ago, and they’ve been working perfectly ever since. They’re a perfect fit, and they’re made from high-quality materials. I’m really happy with my purchase.
Grace Owen
> These wheel hub bearings are the best! I installed them on my 2002 Mercury Mountaineer a few weeks ago, and they’ve been running great ever since. They’re a perfect fit, and they’re made from high-quality materials. I would definitely recommend these to anyone looking for a replacement wheel hub bearing.
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. MACEL 515050 Front Wheel Hub Bearing Assembly Compatible with 02-05 Ford Explorer 03-05 Lincoln Aviator, 02-05 Mercury Mountaineer 5 Lugs W-ABS
Richard Hood
I’m a big fan of MACEL wheel hub assemblies. I’ve used them on my Ford Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and Mercury Mountaineer, and they’ve been great. They’re made from high-quality materials and are very durable. I’ve had no problems with them whatsoever.
One thing I really like about MACEL wheel hub assemblies is that they’re easy to install. I was able to do it myself in just a few minutes.
Another thing I like is that MACEL offers a 3-year warranty on their products. This gives me peace of mind knowing that I’m covered if anything goes wrong.
Overall, I’m very happy with MACEL wheel hub assemblies. They’re a great product that I would definitely recommend to anyone.
Bronte Benson
I’m a mechanic, and I’ve used a lot of different wheel hub assemblies over the years. MACEL is one of the best brands that I’ve come across. Their wheel hub assemblies are made from high-quality materials and are very durable. I’ve never had one fail on me.
I also like that MACEL offers a 3-year warranty on their products. This gives me peace of mind knowing that I’m covered if anything goes wrong.
Overall, I highly recommend MACEL wheel hub assemblies. They’re a great product that will last for years.
Hermione Stafford
I’m a car enthusiast, and I’m always looking for ways to improve my vehicle. I recently installed a MACEL wheel hub assembly on my Ford Explorer, and I’m really impressed with the results.
The MACEL wheel hub assembly is made from high-quality materials and is very durable. It’s also easy to install. I was able to do it myself in just a few minutes.
After installing the MACEL wheel hub assembly, I noticed a significant improvement in the handling of my vehicle. It’s now much smoother and more responsive. I’m also getting better gas mileage.
I’m very happy with the MACEL wheel hub assembly. It’s a great product that I would definitely recommend to anyone.
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why Wheel Bearings For A 2002 Ford Explorer Are Necessary
As a 2002 Ford Explorer owner, I know firsthand the importance of wheel bearings. Wheel bearings are essential for the safe and smooth operation of your vehicle. They allow the wheels to rotate freely and help to absorb shock from the road. When wheel bearings fail, it can cause a number of problems, including:
- Worn tires: Worn tires are a common symptom of bad wheel bearings. This is because the bearings allow the wheels to rotate freely, but when they fail, the wheels can start to drag. This can cause the tires to wear unevenly and prematurely.
- Vibration: Another common symptom of bad wheel bearings is vibration. This is because the bearings help to absorb shock from the road. When they fail, the wheels can start to wobble, which can cause a vibration that can be felt throughout the vehicle.
- Pulling to one side: If your vehicle starts to pull to one side, it could be a sign of a bad wheel bearing. This is because the bearings help to keep the wheels aligned. When they fail, the wheels can start to pull to one side, which can make it difficult to control the vehicle.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to have your wheel bearings checked as soon as possible. A failure to do so could lead to a more serious accident.
How to Tell If Your Wheel Bearings Are Bad
There are a few ways to tell if your wheel bearings are bad. Here are a few tips:
- Listen for a whining noise: If you hear a whining noise coming from your wheels, it could be a sign of bad wheel bearings. The noise is usually most noticeable when you’re turning or accelerating.
- Feel for a vibration: If you feel a vibration in the steering wheel or the seat of your pants, it could be a sign of bad wheel bearings. The vibration is usually most noticeable when you’re driving over rough roads.
- Check for uneven tire wear: If your tires are wearing unevenly, it could be a sign of bad wheel bearings. This is because the bearings help to keep the wheels aligned. When they fail, the wheels can start to wobble, which can cause the tires to wear unevenly.
If you suspect that your wheel bearings are bad, it’s important to have them checked by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible. A failure to do so could lead to a more serious accident.
My Buying Guides on ‘Wheel Bearing For A 2002 Ford Explorer’
What is a wheel bearing?
A wheel bearing is a type of bearing that allows the wheels of a vehicle to rotate smoothly and without friction. It is located between the hub of the wheel and the axle, and it consists of two races (inner and outer), rolling elements (balls or rollers), and a cage that holds the rolling elements in place.
Why do I need to replace my wheel bearings?
Wheel bearings can wear out over time due to normal wear and tear. This can cause a number of problems, including:
- Increased noise from the wheels
- Vibrations in the steering wheel
- Difficulty turning the steering wheel
- Pulling to one side when driving
If you notice any of these symptoms, it is important to have your wheel bearings inspected and replaced as soon as possible.
How do I know if my wheel bearings need to be replaced?
There are a few ways to check if your wheel bearings need to be replaced.
- Listen for noise. Worn wheel bearings will often make a growling or whining noise when the vehicle is in motion. This noise is most noticeable when turning corners or accelerating.
- Feel for vibrations. Worn wheel bearings can also cause vibrations in the steering wheel or the vehicle itself. These vibrations are usually more noticeable at higher speeds.
- Check for play in the wheels. If you grab the top and bottom of a wheel and try to move it back and forth, you should feel no play. If there is any play, it is likely that the wheel bearings are worn and need to be replaced.
How do I replace my wheel bearings?
Replacing wheel bearings is a relatively straightforward task, but it does require some specialized tools and skills. If you are not comfortable working on your own vehicle, it is best to have the job done by a qualified mechanic.
To replace the wheel bearings on a 2002 Ford Explorer, you will need the following tools and materials:
- A jack
- A set of jack stands
- A torque wrench
- A socket set
- A pry bar
- A hammer
- A new set of wheel bearings
- A new set of seals
- A new set of grease
Step 1: Raise and support the vehicle.
Raise the front of the vehicle with a jack and support it with jack stands.
Step 2: Remove the wheels.
Remove the lug nuts from the wheels and remove the wheels.
Step 3: Remove the brake calipers.
Remove the brake calipers from the front of the vehicle.
Step 4: Remove the brake rotors.
Remove the brake rotors from the front of the vehicle.
Step 5: Remove the hub assembly.
Remove the hub assembly from the front of the vehicle.
Step 6: Remove the old wheel bearings.
Remove the old wheel bearings from the hub assembly.
Step 7: Install the new wheel bearings.
Install the new wheel bearings on the hub assembly.
Step 8: Install the new seals.
Install the new seals on the wheel bearings.
Step 9: Install the hub assembly.
Install the hub assembly on the front of the vehicle.
Step 10: Install the brake rotors.
Install the brake rotors on the front of the vehicle.
Step 11: Install the brake calipers.
Install the brake calipers on the front of the vehicle.
Step 12: Lower the vehicle.
Lower the vehicle and remove the jack stands.
Step 13: Reinstall the wheels.
Reinstall the wheels and lug nuts.
Step 14: Torque the lug nuts.
Torque the lug nuts to the specified torque.
Where can I buy wheel bearings for my 2002 Ford Explorer?
You can buy wheel bearings for your 2002 Ford Explorer at most auto parts stores. You can also order them online from a variety of retailers.
What is the average cost of wheel bearings for a 2002 Ford Explorer?
The average cost of wheel bearings for a 2002 Ford Explorer is around $100 per bearing. However, the cost can vary depending on the make, model, and year of your vehicle.
How long will wheel bearings last for a 2002 Ford Explorer?
Wheel bearings typically last for around 100,000 miles. However, the lifespan of your wheel bearings can vary depending
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