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Wheel Bearing Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Ford Pickup, 2006 Ford F550 Super Duty, 2006 Ford F450 Super Duty, and 2006 Ford Cab & Chassis. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
SPECIAL TOOL(S)

G04643041Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
 Dial Indicator Gauge With Holding Fixture
100-D002 (D78P-4201-B) or equivalent
NOTE: Inspect the tires for cupping. A tire with cupping wear can duplicate a bearing noise. For additional information, refer to WHEELS & TIRES .

    All vehicles 

  1. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to JACKING & LIFTING .

    2. Rear wheel drive (RWD) vehicles 

    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. For additional information, refer to FRONT SUSPENSION - REAR WHEEL DRIVE (RWD) .

    Four wheel drive (4WD) vehicles 

    NOTE: An assistant will be needed for this procedure.
  4. 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).
    5. 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  7.
  5. 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 1: Identifying Wheel Bearing Inspection
      G04643042Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
    6. NOTE: If the vehicle is equipped with a limited-slip front axle, do not hold the wheel. Evaluate both wheels simultaneously. Go to Step 7.
  6. Evaluate the other front wheel.
    • While holding the previously evaluated wheel, run the vehicle to 40 km (25 mph). Release the wheel being held.
    • 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: Checking Wheel Turning
      G04643043Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  7. 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 8.
    • If both sides sound similar (not loud or noisy), carry out a wheel bearing end play check.
    8. NOTE: Make sure the wheel rotates freely.
    NOTE: Rotate the hub locks to the unlocked position.
  8. Carry out the following steps for the wheel bearing end play setup:
    • Install the special tool to the knuckle.
    • Place the probe on the brake disc where the splash shield has a V opening.
    • Make sure the probe can move in a lateral direction.
    • Tighten the neck of the probe.
      Fig 3: Identifying Special Tool
      G04643044Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  9. Carry out the following steps for the wheel bearing end play:
    • Push the wheel inward at the 6 o'clock position.
    • Set the dial indicator to 0.
    • Pull the wheel outward at the 6 o'clock position.
    • Record the measurement.
    • Repeat this step  3 to  5 times.
      • If the wheel bearing end play is greater than 0.13 mm (0.005 in), install a new wheel bearing.
      • If the wheel bearing end play is less than 0.13 mm (0.005 in), the wheel bearing is within specification. Go to the next step.
    Fig 4: Checking Wheel Bearing End Play
    G04643045Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  10. Remove the wheel hub. For additional information, refer to FRONT SUSPENSION - FOUR WHEEL DRIVE (4WD) .
  11. 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.
  12. 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.
      • 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.
        Fig 5: Checking Roller Condition
        G04643046Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
        Fig 6: Inspecting Bearing Roughness
        G04643047Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  13. Install the wheel hub. For additional information, refer to FRONT SUSPENSION - FOUR WHEEL DRIVE (4WD) .
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