Resolving Wheel Bearing Replacement on the Ford CL340 Skid Steer

[MikePhua]

The Ford CL340 and Its Mechanical Heritage
The Ford CL340 skid steer was part of Ford’s compact equipment lineup during the late 1970s and early 1980s, designed for light construction, landscaping, and agricultural tasks. Built with a rugged frame and simple hydraulic systems, the CL340 was powered by a gasoline or diesel engine depending on configuration, and featured chain-driven wheels housed in sealed hubs. Though Ford eventually exited the skid steer market, the CL340 remains in use among collectors and small operators due to its mechanical simplicity and ease of repair.
Ford’s industrial equipment division was later absorbed into New Holland, and many parts for older Ford machines became difficult to source. The CL340, in particular, suffers from limited aftermarket support, especially for components like wheel bearings and hub assemblies.
Terminology Annotation
- Wheel Hub: The central component that houses the wheel bearing and connects the axle to the wheel.
- Pressed Fit: A mechanical assembly where one part is tightly inserted into another using force, requiring a hydraulic press for removal.
- Bearing Assembly: A unit containing rolling elements (balls or rollers) that reduce friction between moving parts.
- ERK43174: The original Ford part number for the bearing pre-mounted in the hub, now obsolete.
- Axle Stub: The short shaft that protrudes from the differential or chain case and supports the wheel hub.
Disassembly Challenges and Press Fit Realities
When attempting to replace the wheel bearing on a CL340, the first obstacle is removing the hub from the axle. In this case, the bearing is mounted inside the hub and the axle appears to be pressed into it. This configuration is common in older skid steers, where the bearing is seated tightly around the axle stub and retained by a snap ring or interference fit.
To proceed:

• Remove the hub from the machine and secure it in a hydraulic press
  
• Apply steady pressure to the axle stub to push it out of the bearing
  
• Use bearing pullers or split plates if the press fit is unusually tight
  
• Once the axle is removed, press out the bearing from the hub using a suitable drift or arbor
  
• Inspect the hub bore and axle for scoring or wear before reassembly
  

If a press is unavailable, a local machine shop or heavy truck repair facility may have the equipment needed. Car mechanics may lack the tonnage capacity required for this job, as skid steer hubs are significantly heavier than automotive components.
Finding a Replacement Bearing Without OEM Support
With the ERK43174 part number discontinued, the next step is to identify the bearing by its physical dimensions. Most industrial bearings are standardized by the American Bearing Manufacturers Association (ABMA) or ISO, meaning they can be matched by:

• Inner diameter (ID)
  
• Outer diameter (OD)
  
• Width
  
• Bearing type (e.g., tapered roller, ball bearing, double-row)
  

Once removed, clean the bearing and look for etched numbers on the race. If no markings are visible, measure with calipers and consult a bearing supplier. Many industrial supply houses can cross-reference dimensions to find a modern equivalent.
Recommended suppliers include:

• Motion Industries
  
• Applied Industrial Technologies
  
• Grainger
  
• Local agricultural equipment dealers
  

Installation Tips and Torque Specifications
When installing the new bearing:

• Clean all mating surfaces thoroughly
  
• Apply anti-seize or light oil to the axle stub
  
• Press the bearing into the hub evenly, avoiding cocking
  
• Use a bearing driver or press plate to prevent race distortion
  
• Reinstall the axle with proper alignment and torque
  
• Check for end play and preload if applicable
  

Some older Ford hubs use shims or spacers to set bearing preload. If these are missing or damaged, replacements must be fabricated or sourced from salvage units.
Field Anecdote and Practical Advice
In Maine, a project manager working on a CL340 encountered this exact issue. After removing the hub, he found the axle would not budge. With no press on site, he contacted a local diesel repair shop that specialized in logging equipment. They pressed out the axle and bearing in under 30 minutes, and helped identify a replacement bearing using caliper measurements and catalog cross-referencing.
The lesson: even when OEM parts are obsolete, industrial bearings are often standardized and replaceable with a little detective work.
Conclusion
Replacing a wheel bearing on a Ford CL340 skid steer is a solvable challenge, even with discontinued parts. By understanding the press-fit nature of the hub and axle, identifying bearing dimensions, and leveraging local machine shops, operators can restore functionality without relying on rare OEM components. The CL340’s mechanical simplicity makes it a rewarding machine to maintain, provided you approach repairs with patience, precision, and a willingness to adapt.