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Wheel Bearing Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Ford Pickup, 2004 Ford F550 Super Duty, 2004 Ford F450 Super Duty, 2004 Ford Excursion, and 2004 Ford Cab & Chassis. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special Tool(s) 

Fig 1: Identifying Wheel Bearing Inspection Special Tool
G02768476Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
NOTE: Inspect the tires for cupping. A tire with cupping wear can duplicate a bearing noise.

4x2 vehicles 

  1. Raise the vehicle until the tire is off the floor. Refer to JACKING & LIFTING .
    2. NOTE: Make sure the wheel rotates freely and the brake pads are retracted sufficiently to allow movement of the tire and wheel assembly.
  2. Grasp each front tire at the top and bottom and move the wheel inward and outward while lifting the weight of the tire off the front wheel bearing.
  3. If the tire and wheel (hub) is loose on the wheel spindle.
    • Adjust the front wheel bearings. Refer to FRONT - 2WD .

    4x4 vehicles 

    NOTE: An assistant will be needed for this procedure.
  4. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. Refer to JACKING & LIFTING .
  5. Carry out the following steps:
    • Rotate the hub locks to the locked position.
    • Shift the transfer case to an engaged position.
    • With the vehicle in DRIVE, run the vehicle to 40 km (25 mph).
    6. NOTE: If the vehicle is equipped with a limited-slip front axle, both the wheels will be turning. Evaluate both wheels at this time, then continue to Step  8.
  6. Evaluate the front wheel that is turning.
    • Place the stethoscope on the knuckle near the wheel bearing.
    • Make a mental note of the sound.
    • Using the brakes, stop the wheels from turning.
      Fig 2: Placing Stethoscope On Knuckle Near Wheel Bearing
      G02768477Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
    7. NOTE: If the vehicle is equipped with a limited-slip front axle, do not hold the wheel. Evaluate both wheels simultaneously. Go to Step 8.
  7. Evaluate the other front wheel.
    • While holding the previously evaluated wheel, run the vehicle to 40 km (25 mph). Release the wheel being held.
      • Fig 3: Holding Wheel
      G02768478Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
    • Place the stethoscope on the knuckle near the wheel bearing.
    • Make a mental note of the sound.
    • Using the brakes, stop the wheels from turning.
  8. Compare the results.
    • If one side sounds louder than the other, install a new bearing on the louder side.
    • If both sides sound equally loud, go to Step 9.
    • If both sides sound similar (not loud or noisy), carry out a wheel bearings endplay check.
    9. NOTE: Make sure the wheel rotates freely.
    NOTE: Rotate the hub locks to the unlocked position.
  9. Carry out the following steps for the wheel bearing endplay setup:
    • Install the special tool to the knuckle.
    • Place the probe on the brake disc where the splash shield has a "V" opening.
      Fig 4: Identifying Brake Disc Where The Splash Shield Has A "V" Opening
      G02768479Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
    • Make sure the probe can move in a lateral direction.
    • Tighten the neck of the probe.
      Fig 5: Setting Dial Indicator
      G02768480Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  10. Carry out the following steps for the wheel bearing endplay:
    • Push the wheel inward at the 6 o'clock position.
    • Set the dial indicator to zero.
    • Pull the wheel outward at the 6 o'clock position.
      Fig 6: Identifying Wheel Movement
      G02768481Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
    • Record the measurement.
    • Repeat this step  3 to 5 times.
      • If the wheel bearing endplay is greater than 0.13 mm (0.005 inch), install a new wheel bearing.
      • If the wheel bearing endplay is less than 0.13 mm (0.005 inch), the wheel bearing is within specification. Go to the next step.
  11. Remove the wheel hub. Refer to FRONT - 4WD LEAF SPRING .
  12. Carry out the following steps for the needle bearing visual inspection:
    • With the wheel hub on a bench, visually inspect the needle bearing.
    • Check for any rust, wear or damage.
    • Check the condition of the rollers.
    • Make sure there is a small amount of grease on the needle bearing.
      • If the needle bearing has rust, is worn or damaged, install a new needle bearing.
      • If the needle bearing looks OK, go to the next step.
  13. Carry out the following steps for the wheel bearing roughness inspection:
    • With the wheel hub on a bench, rotate the outer flange of the wheel bearing while applying downward pressure.
      • If the wheel bearing rotates freely, without roughness, check the bearing for noise.
      • If the wheel bearing does not rotate freely, install a new bearing.
    • Rotate the outer flange of the wheel bearing while applying downward pressure. Using a stethoscope, check the wheel bearing for noise.
      Fig 7: Checking Wheel Bearing Rotation
      G02768482Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
        Fig 8: Checking Wheel Bearing With Stethoscope
        G02768483Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
      • If the wheel bearing rotates freely, without noise, the wheel bearing is OK. Conduct a diagnosis on other suspect components or systems.
      • If the wheel bearing does not rotate without noise, install a new bearing.
  14. Install the wheel hub. Refer to FRONT - 4WD LEAF SPRING .
  15. Test the system for normal operation.
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