Detroit Axle Front Wheel Bearing Hubs Kit Review: Includes Front Lower Ball Joints and Tie Rod Ends

What the Wheel Bearing Hubs Is, and Who For

The Detroit Axle Front Wheel Bearing Hubs Kit is for owners of 2006-2010 Ford Explorers or Mercury Mountaineers who need a complete front-end overhaul, as it includes 2x front lower ball joints and 2x rack and pinion boots as part of a Front Wheel Bearing Kit for 2006-2010 Ford Explorer.

Worn wheel bearings can cause audible humming or steering instability that compromises your vehicle’s handling. Addressing these symptoms early prevents the need for more extensive repairs to the hub or axle assembly.

The Detroit Axle Front Wheel Bearing Hubs Kit provides a comprehensive solution by bundling the hub assembly with front lower ball joints and inner tie rod ends. This specific kit includes 2x rack and pinion boots with locking C-clamps to ensure a complete front-end refresh.

We evaluated the other wheel bearing options we compared to determine which provided the most inclusive components for older Ford models. This review is for owners of 2006-2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac or Mercury Mountaineer models seeking a comprehensive replacement.

The Short Answer on the Wheel Bearing Hubs

Best for: you need a comprehensive front-end overhaul for a 2006–2010 Ford Explorer, Mercury Mountaineer, or Explorer Sport Trac.

The Detroit Axle Front Wheel Bearing Hubs Kit is the recommended choice at $182.70.

• Pro: Includes 2x front lower ball joints and 2x front inner tie rod ends in the same kit.
• Pro: Features a 10-year warranty for long-term reliability.
• Pro: Provides 2x rack and pinion boots with locking C-clamps for secure sealing.
• Con: The 5-bolt hub configuration rules out use on vehicles requiring 6-bolt patterns.
• Con: The sensor wire ABS type limits compatibility with vehicles requiring different hub sensor configurations.

Don’t buy this if: your vehicle is a model year earlier than 2006 or later than 2010.

Price assessment: The $182.70 price point is fair for a kit containing six distinct components plus the hub assemblies.

The Numbers on the Spec Sheet

The 5 bolt hub lug and 3-bolt triangular flange configuration ensure this kit matches the specific mounting requirements for the 2006-2010 Ford Explorer and Mercury Mountaineer models.

Before You Buy: Wheel Bearing Hubs Checklist

The first thing to check is the specific production year and model of your vehicle to ensure compatibility with the Detroit Axle front wheel bearing kit.

• ☐ Confirm vehicle compatibility — 2006 to 2010 Ford Explorer, Sport Trac, or Mercury Mountaineer
• ☐ Verify hub lug count — 5 Bolt
• ☐ Check hub flange type — 3-Bolt Triangular
• ☐ Verify ABS type — Sensor Wire
• ☐ Confirm included components — 2x Hub Assemblies, 2x Lower Ball Joints, 2x Inner Tie Rod Ends, 2x Outer Inner Tie Rod Ends, and 2x Rack And Pinion Boots

You should not buy this product if your vehicle requires a different hub bolt pattern or a different ABS sensor configuration than the 5-bolt, 3-bolt triangular sensor wire setup.

Performance in Practical Terms

Complete Front End Component Package

The Detroit Axle Front Wheel Bearing Hubs Kit provides a comprehensive front end component package that includes 2x Front Wheel Bearing Hub Assemblies, 2x Front Lower Ball Joints, 2x Front Inner Tie Rod Ends, 2x Front Outer Inner Tie Rod Ends, and 2x Rack And Pinion Boots. By grouping these parts, the kit ensures you have the necessary hardware to address multiple wear points simultaneously during a front-end overhaul.

Wheel Bearing Hubs support a 5 Bolt hub configuration with a 3-Bolt Triangular flange. This specific configuration ensures the Wheel Bearing Hubs align correctly with the mounting points on 2006-2010 Ford Explorer, Sport Trac, and Mercury Mountaineer models. Because the kit includes the rack and pinion boots with locking C-clamps, you can secure the steering components while replacing the bearings.

Sensor Wire ABS Compatibility

Sensor Wire ABS compatibility is a standard feature of these Wheel Bearing Hubs, which are designed as a direct replacement for specific Ford and Mercury models. This means the hub integrates with your vehicle’s existing anti-lock braking system without requiring additional wiring harnesses or modifications to the sensor mounting.

The hub’s 3-Bolt Triangular flange is the specific geometry required for these vehicles. You should verify that your current hub also features a 3-bolt triangular pattern to ensure the Wheel Bearing Hubs seat correctly in the knuckle and match the existing bolt pattern.

Long Term 10 Year Warranty

Long Term 10 Year Warranty coverage on the Wheel Bearing Hubs addresses concerns regarding premature spalling or hub failure. While the data does not specify a mileage limit, a decade of coverage suggests the metallurgy is intended to meet or exceed OE standards for longevity.

To determine the expected lifespan before potential noise occurs, check the specific load ratings and steel grades provided by the manufacturer for your vehicle’s weight class. Because these are aftermarket parts, confirming the hub’s compatibility with your specific vehicle’s bolt pattern and hub bore is the best way to ensure a long-lasting fitment.

Understanding the different options is easier when you view the various types of wheel bearings available for different vehicle configurations.

How the Wheel Bearing Hubs Compares to Alternatives

The Detroit Axle Wheel Bearing Hubs kit provides the most comprehensive component list of the options we evaluated, including front lower ball joints and rack and pinion boots.

• The Wheel Bearing Hubs cost $182.70, which is $7.75 more than the TRQ Front Wheel Bearing Hub Assembly Pair.
• The Wheel Bearing Hubs include 2x Front Lower Ball Joints and 2x Front Inner Tie Rod Ends, components not listed in the TRQ Front Wheel Bearing Hub Assembly Pair.
• The Detroit Axle Front Wheel Bearing and Hub Assembly is priced at $229.80, making the Wheel Bearing Hubs $47.10 cheaper.
• The Wheel Bearing Hubs received a 4.3 rating from 2922 buyers, while the Detroit Axle Front Wheel Bearing and Hub Assembly holds a higher 4.5 rating from 2544 ratings.

If you only need to replace the hubs and already have functional steering components, the TRQ Front Wheel Bearing Hub Assembly Pair is the better pick for a lower price. If you prefer a higher-rated hub assembly for a different vehicle model, choose the Detroit Axle Front Wheel Bearing and Hub Assembly.

Deciding between this all-in-one kit or buying hubs separately depends on your current component condition. The Wheel Bearing Hubs include ball joints and tie rod ends; if these parts are already in good condition, you may only need the hubs. If you choose to buy separately, you must confirm that the hub flange type is a 3-Bolt Triangular and the lug pattern is 5 Bolt to ensure a proper fit.

What the Price Buys

The Detroit Axle Front Wheel Bearing Hubs sits at the $182.70 mark, which is $19 below the $202 average of the similar wheel bearing products we compared. At this price point, you receive a comprehensive kit including two hub assemblies, four ball joints and tie rod ends, and two rack and pinion boots with locking C-clamps. You trade off the premium metallurgy of OE (Original Equipment) brands like SKF or Timken for a high-volume kit that addresses multiple front-end components in a single purchase.

This product is the right buy if you need to replace multiple front-end components simultaneously on a 2006–2010 Ford Explorer or Mercury Mountaineer. Regarding the 10-year warranty, the provided data does not state that it covers labor costs. You should confirm with the manufacturer whether the warranty covers only the parts or includes installation labor before purchasing.

Questions Buyers Ask About the Wheel Bearing Hubs

Will the Detroit Axle Front Wheel Bearing Hubs Kit fit my 2008 Ford Explorer?

Yes, the Wheel Bearing Hubs are a direct replacement for 2006 through 2010 Ford Explorer models. This kit also covers the Sport Trac and Mercury Mountaineer models produced during those years.

Do I need to buy any extra tools or specialized presses to get these on?

The Wheel Bearing Hubs feature a 3-bolt triangular flange and a 5-bolt lug pattern. You should verify if your specific hub requires a hydraulic press for removal, as the provided data does not specify a press-fit versus bolt-on installation standard.

What is included in the Detroit Axle Front Wheel Bearing Hubs Kit?

The kit includes 2 front wheel bearing hub assemblies, 2 front lower ball joints, and 2 front inner tie rod ends. It also contains 2 front outer inner tie rod ends and 2 rack and pinion boots with bellows and locking C-clamps.

Does the kit include the hub and the bearing?

Yes, the Wheel Bearing Hubs are sold as a complete hub assembly rather than as a bearing-only component. This means the assembly includes the internal bearing for the front position.

Is the Wheel Bearing Hubs Right for You?

The Wheel Bearing Hubs suits 5 kinds of buyer and is the wrong choice for 4 jobs, listed below with the reason for each.

Where to Buy the Wheel Bearing Hubs

These retailers sell Wheel Bearing generally – we do not track which of them has this particular model in stock, so check availability and the current price with the retailer before making a trip.

• Summit Racing Equipment (online only) — wide selection of high-performance and specialty automotive components
• Amazon (online only) — broad range of third-party sellers and convenient home delivery
• AutoZone (online and physical stores) — wide availability of standard aftermarket brands and in-store pickup
• Advance Auto Parts (online and physical stores) — extensive inventory of replacement parts and local store support
• O’Reilly Auto Parts (online and physical stores) — large selection of drivetrain components and professional-grade parts
• RockAuto (online only) — massive catalog of budget and premium brands with direct shipping

Final Verdict on the Wheel Bearing Hubs

If you own a 2006 to 2010 Ford Explorer, Sport Trac, or Mercury Mountaineer and need a comprehensive front-end overhaul, the Detroit Axle Front Wheel Bearing Hubs Kit is the correct choice at around $182.70.

The Detroit Axle Front Wheel Bearing Hubs include the 2x front wheel bearing hub assemblies and 2x front lower ball joints, supported by a 4.3 rating from 2922 buyers.

Skip it if: your vehicle requires a different bolt pattern than the 5-bolt 3-bolt triangular flange or if you only need to replace the internal bearings without the hub assembly.

Check the current price on Amazon