Prior to the newer induction bearing heaters, we had these units that used a heavy oil which was heated by a element. Using a torch to heat a bearing is a no-no. In a pinch, a torch can be used to heat the oil in a metal container. The oil just heats the part in a more uniform way.

 

I used the shop manual, as well

Could also be a tire. Tires can create multiple orders as they wear (first order is once per tire revolution). It would be nice if you could temporarily swap a tire or two with another Escape.

The larger the part, the more important it is to heat it evenly (like an oven). This ring quickly equalizes heat around its perimeter, so you could heat it on a burner, in the oven, or with a torch.

 

OK, got it. Thanks.

 

I've replaced a replacement tone ring already. Seriously will never by an FEH again.

 

Yea, the tone ring design sucks, but it is not unique to the hybrid.

 

Do they still use the tone ring in newer vehicles, like my '09?

 

I wanted to report in that I finally replaced both the outer tie rods (cracked boots) and an abs tone ring today on my '06 FEH with 60k miles.

It wasn't a terribly difficult repair but it did require a few car specific tools. You'll need a ball joint fork and may tear up the boot on the lower A arm ball joint as well as those on the outer tie rods. To remove the nuts that hold the wheel hub to the drive shaft you'll need a ~31mm socket and a powerful impact wrench. We used a 1-1/4" socket and it seemed to work okay but it was a loose fit on the nut. I didn't have a pair of calipers handy to actually measure the nut but a 30mm socket would not fit.

The old ring came off very easily and we cleaned the rust off the shaft with a wire brush. Installing the new ring was a bit tricky. We ended up using a brass rod and a hammer to "press" it into place. However, if you happened to have a bit of pipe the right size, it would be much easier to knock into place. This part is also much easier if you have a helper to hold the drive shaft for you.

We replaced the right front tone ring, both outer tie rod ends and changed the oil in about 2.5 hours with several breaks to scratch our heads and sip some beer.