Wheel Bearing Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Ford Econoline. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: The E550 bearing and hub assembly cannot be adjusted. If looseness is evident install a new bearing and hub. For additional information, refer to FRONT SUSPENSION article .

Raise and support the vehicle .

NOTE: Make sure that the wheel rotates freely and the brake pads are retracted sufficiently to allow movement of the wheel and tire assembly.

Grasp the tire at the top and bottom and move the wheel inward and outward. If the wheel hub is loose on the spindle, carry out steps four through eight.
Remove the grease cap, cotter pin and the retainer nut.
Rotate the brake disc hub while adjusting front wheel bearing end play. Tighten the spindle nut.

Fig 1: Tightening Spindle Nut While Rotating Brake Disc Hub

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Loosen the spindle nut two turns.

Fig 2: Loosening Spindle Nut Two Turns

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Tighten the spindle nut while rotating the brake disc counterclockwise.

Fig 3: Tightening Spindle Nut While Rotating Brake Disc Counterclockwise

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Loosen the spindle nut.

Fig 4: Loosening Spindle Nut

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Tighten the spindle nut.

Fig 5: Tightening Spindle Nut

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

If looseness still exits or the brake disc does not rotate freely, remove and inspect the wheel bearings. For additional information, refer to FRONT SUSPENSION article .