LEMON Manuals: Even more car manuals for everyone
Home >> Ford >> 2000 >> Contour SE, 2.5 L, Standard >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 1979 (Noise, Vibration And Harshness) >> General Procedures >> Wheel Bearing Check

Wheel Bearing Check

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 Mercury Mariner and 2007 Ford Escape. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
    WARNING: The electrical power to the air suspension system must be shut off prior to hoisting, jacking or towing an air suspension vehicle. This can be accomplished by turning off the air suspension switch. Failure to do so can result in unexpected inflation or deflation of the air springs, which can result in shifting of the vehicle during these operations.
  1. Raise the vehicle until the front tires are off the floor.
    • Make sure the wheels are in a straight forward position.
  2. NOTE: Make sure the wheel rotates freely and that the brake pads are retraced sufficiently to allow free movement of the tire and wheel assembly.
  3. Spin the tire by hand to check the wheel bearings for roughness.
  4. Fig 1: Checking Wheel Bearings For Roughness
    GF0000033Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  5. Grip 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.
  6. Fig 2: Gripping Tire At Top & Bottom
    GF0000034Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  7. If the tire and wheel (hub) is loose on the spindle, does not rotate freely, or has a rough feeling when spun, carry out one of the following:
    1. On vehicles with inner and outer bearings, inspect the bearings and cups for wear or damage. Adjust or install new bearings and cups as necessary.
    2. On vehicles with one sealed bearing, install a new wheel hub.
  8. Fig 3: Identifying Wheel (Hub) Assembly Components
    GF0019163Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.