2002 mercury cougar wheel bearings need to be changed, what tools do I need? And I don't think it matters but it is a 2.5 liter.
;0) Do as Andy says, I also use a old socket to remove and refit the wheel bearings on my bikes.If they prove hard to shift then get a few ice cubes (in a plastic bag and cover the bearing only, as it will contract the metal. Also when you come to put the new ones in put them in the freezer for 30min's as the metal will contract and make then easier to re insert. I did this with the rear bearings on the back wheel of my Blade and had no problems getting the old ones out or the new ones in.
Since this is front wheel drive, it is totally different then a rear wheel drive car. I believe some people are accidentally assuming this is a rear wheel drive car, and it isn't I believe. The tire rod has to be disconnected from the knuckle arm, so you need a pickle-fork or similar tool to pop a tapered bolt. (It actually can be done with a bell ringing effect from opposing simultaneous hammer blows.) Besides the usual sockets to remove the brake caliper, strut, etc., you need a large socket and breaker bar to remove axle nut. Once you have the knuckle out, then you need snap ring pliers to remove the bearing retainer clip. And then the biggest tool of all is a press to push the stub axle out of the bearing, press the bearing out of the knuckle, and then press the new bearing back in, and the stub axle back into the bearing. (Caution not to try pounding for removal or installation, because that will ruin both the old axle and the new bearing.) Have done similar cars, but not necessarily this exact one, so there may be some variation.
This is not difficult but if you have never done it I would suggest having it done it would not be expensive. You have to know how to pack the bearings with greese before installing.
Jack ,lug wrench alittle muscle caliber remover, bolts vary with different makes, pop caps off and remove cotter pin remove nut and pull rotor off, outer bearing will come out first and the inner is held in by a seal, you could just get new seals or be careful with the ones you have, pack new bearings with new bearing grease inner and outer, put bearing grease on spindle install inner and tap on new seal make sure you note which way you take off the inner seal. install rotor put nut on tighten nut tight and then back it off half turn. same to other side. Hint pick up a Haynes manual for your year car it will assit you start to finish.
