EyeLuvMeyeF150

Hello! So, I've got a front passenger wheel bearing going into retirement on my '04 2wd F150. I go to Ford and tell them I need new wheel bearing hubs. (might as well replace both sides, right?) He gives me 2 heavy boxes which I thought was kinda weird for wheel bearings. I haul'em to the truck. I get home with them and open one up. It's a whole rotor / lug stud / bearing unit! Not what I was expecting although being the novice that I am, I'm not sure what I was expecting. "I have to replace the whole rotor???" I just replaced all 4 rotors about 5 years ago and have had no problems. Then I start doing more research and it looks like I just need the actual wheel bearing but it has to be "pressed in" by a machine shop?? Tell me folks, do I need to replace the whole rotor / lug stud / bearing unit or do I just need to replace the actual bearings?

SCORGE

I think it's a whole unit. I don't believe the bearing itself is serviceable. Mines 4x4 so I could be wrong.

Mulestang

I have heard of people servicing the bearing, but I don't think it's a commonplace practice. Most just go the route the dealership took...replace the integral hub/rotor.
I 'upgraded' my 2WD to the Centric conversion kit. Tossed the one-piece design to that found in the 4WD...a hub with a replaceable disc.

EyeLuvMeyeF150

Thanks Scorge and Mulestang. When I first started researching this stuff, I found videos that showed a separate 'hub' and 'rotor' like I think you're talking about Mulestang (not familiar with a "Centric conversion kit") but then I realized that had to do with 4wd which I don't have. I realized that as soon as I took my wheel off. There is a 'bearing' out there though that looks just like the one in the center of my unit that I bought but you're right Scorge, it's not serviceable but replaceable and I just didn't want to have to go through yet another step to get this done since me and a buddy of mine are going to do it ourselves. Since I'm going to have all that apart anyway, I've ordered the Rancho Quicklift rs 999909 struts too. The truck has 205k on it so I figured the shocks are getting close to being worn out. Good move?

nrivera04

Did you get new spindle nuts also? They're single use, so once you take them off, they're garbage. Ford spec says to torque them at 295, but most standard torque wrenches only go up to 250, which in my opinion is plenty sufficient.

EDIT - Def a good move on replacing struts if they're your original equipment.

EyeLuvMeyeF150

Yep nrivera04, got new spindle nuts with the wheel bearing hubs. For close to $260, they shoulda been in there!!

BillyBlurst

Yeah, front bearings on 4X2 models are hub/rotor/bearing as one assembly. It's a shame that's it's such a PITA to use aftermarket rotors on the front.

Mulestang

It doesn't help much now, but the Centric conversion is about $127 per side on Amazon right now.
FYI for others in the OP's situation.

technokami

I did the Centric conversion in January and put new rotors on. Other than RockAuto sending me a 7 lug instead of 6 lug for one side which i now have sitting in my garage it was an easy change and the results were worth it.

NicksGTR

Does anyone have the part number for the Centric hub only? Or the link from Rock Auto or Amazon? Thanx in advance.