Wheel Bearing Adjustment

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2004 Ford Pickup, 2004 Ford Excursion, 2003 Ford Pickup, 2003 Ford Excursion, and 2002 Ford Pickup. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Raise and support vehicle. Make sure the wheel rotates freely and the brake pads are retracted sufficiently to allow movement of the tire and wheel assembly. 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. If any looseness is felt, adjust wheel bearing. To adjust wheel bearing remove wheel and tire assembly and remove grease cap. Remove and discard cotter pin. While rotating wheel clockwise, tighten adjusting nut to 21 ft. lbs. (28 N.m). Back off adjusting nut 120-180 degrees (just until loose). While rotating wheel clockwise, tighten adjusting nut to 18 INCH lbs. (2 N.m). Install nut and NEW cotter pin. Install grease cap. Install the front wheel and tire assemblies. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .

NOTE: Wheel seals on the front axles must be replaced any time the axle lubricants are changed from factory-installed mineral lube to synthetic lube or vice versa.

NOTE: If bearings are adjusted too tightly, they will overheat and wear rapidly. An adjustment that is excessively loose can cause pounding and contribute to uneven tire wear, steering difficulties and inefficient brakes. Check bearing adjustment at regular inspection intervals. New wheel seals must be installed when the hub is removed. A damaged or worn seal can permit bearing lubricant to reach the brake linings, resulting in ineffective brake operation and necessitating premature replacement of linings.