Aspire front bearing replacement and backing plate ?

[Zman86]

Hey guys, just started tearing down my Aspire swap for cleaning and powder coating. The front bearings felt dry and crunchy, so I figured I would replace them all while it was apart. However, once I had it apart, I realized I've never seen a bearing setup like this. How do you replace them properly? There seems to be multiple conflicting opinions on the web.

Also, one of my front backing plates is beat and rotten, I'd like to replace it but it appears to be pressed on. Are they replaceable and can you still get them?

[Eaglefreek]

I don't have time to search, but someone did a decent how to write up a while back. I have a hydraulic press, but didn't use it. I was able to do everything with a hammer and some large sockets to "press" the old stuff out and the new stuff in.

[nitrofarm]

Dont loose those spacers,then you'll really be in pickle

[jawja jim]

This thread has good info and pictures about aspire knuckles( and lots of other things).

http://www.fordfestiva.com/forums/showthread.php?53903-Repair-photos-and-videos&p=661716#post661716

[1990new]

Tried to find it in the forum but had not luck so here is a link to the write that Festyboy gave me
permission to post on blogspot:
http://festivacentral.blogspot.com/2...acement_7.html

This is for Festiva, For the Aspire the rotor can be removed without separating the hub.

[F3BZ]

disc dust cover is same as used on 2000-2002 Kia Rio if you want to look in JY. can still be gotten new from Kia dealers or online.
RH - MDX5033261A, LH - MDX5033271. under $20 ea.

[Zman86]

Awesome, thanks!

[nitrofarm]

Awesome, thanks!

Just be aware those Dust shields WONT fit Festiva Knuckles.

[TorqueEffect]

Oooo Those dust shields are nice. But how would you go about installing them?

The junkyard Rio knuckles I got, one was missing it's cover, and the other I had to pry and mangle to get off even though it was rusted badly.

I didn't see any particular way they were installed and looked like it needed special machinery to install.

Honestly I haven't had any issue running without backing plates on the front hubs.

[nitrofarm]

Thats exactly how they come off,by prying. And nothing special is needed to install. You can just press the new ones on with a large socket and vise. And like yourself I've experienced no I'll effects without them. But if you have Big Money wheels. You dont want the corrosive brake dust getting on them. But most Festys dont have that much invested in they're wheels. I dont remove them unless they become loose-

[F3BZ]

very thin and narrow screwdriver tapped between knuckle and inner shield lip. work all around just enough to open enough to slip off. done carefully you can peen that flange back enough to be a press fit. no issues leaving it off but i am finicky about reusing what smarter people than me decided should be there.
i picked up an extra set to see if i could fabricate and attach ducted air hose for brake cooling.

[nitrofarm]

^ "LIKE" the Air Duct Cooling

[Zman86]

Just be aware those Dust shields WONT fit Festiva Knuckles.

They will be going on aspire knuckles

[nitrofarm]

They will be going on aspire knuckles

They wont fit those either

[bravekozak]

I hate dust.