In 1999, when the Mustang rolled off Ford's assembly line, it marked the 35th anniversary for Ford's beloved muscle car. It was available in a base and GT model, with either the 3.8-liter V-6 or the 4.6-liter V-8. The procedure for changing the front hub bearings is the same.
Park the Mustang on a hard, flat surface. Apply the parking brake. Loosen the front lug nuts 1/4 turn. Lift the front of the vehicle by placing the floor jack under the frame -- not the oil pan -- directly beneath the engine. Place the jack stands under the body pinch welds close to the front wheels. Lower the Mustang onto the jack stands. Remove the lug nuts and the front wheels.
Remove the two large brake caliper bracket-to-spindle bolts by turning them counterclockwise with the appropriate ratchet and socket. Hang the caliper and bracket assembly from the suspension with the wire hanger -- don't let it hang by the brake hose. Remove the brake rotor by sliding it off of the hub. If it does not easily come off, strike the rotor with the hammer between the lug studs until it comes loose.
Remove the spindle nut cap in the center of the hub by prying it off with the screwdriver. Discard the cap. Remove the spindle nut by loosening it counterclockwise. Remove the hub and bearing assembly. Wipe down the spindle. Apply a thin layer of bearing grease to the spindle to prevent corrosion.
Install the new hub and bearing assembly. Install the new spindle nut and torque it to 258 foot-pounds with the torque wrench. Install the new cap by pressing it in place until it sits flush with the hub. Install the brake rotor. Install the caliper and bracket assembly and torque the bracket bolts to 85 foot-pounds. Install the front wheels and tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle to the ground. Torque the lug nuts to 95 foot-pounds.
