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Home >> Ford >> 2000 >> Contour SE, 2.5 L, Standard >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 545 (Noise, Vibration & Harshness) >> General Procedures >> Wheel Bearing Check

Wheel Bearing Check

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Mercury Mountaineer and 2004 Ford Explorer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
Fig 1: Special Tool Chart
G03180031Courtesy 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. For additional information, 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.

    4. 4x4 vehicles 

    NOTE: An assistant will be needed for this procedure.
  4. Position the vehicle on a hoist. For additional information, refer to JACKING & LIFTING .
  5. Carry out the following steps:
    • Engage the transfer case to the 4H 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 .
    Fig 2: Placing Stethoscope On Knuckle Near Wheel Bearing
    G03180032Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  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.
    7. NOTE: If the vehicle is equipped with a limited slip front axle, do not hold the wheel. Evaluate both simultaneously. Go to Step 8.
    Fig 3: Holding Running Wheel
    G03180033Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  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.
    • 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 significantly louder than the other, go to Step 9.
    • If both sides sound equally loud, go to Step 9.
    • If both sides sound similar (not loud or noisy), wheel bearings are OK.
    9. NOTE: Make sure the wheel rotates freely.
    NOTE: Rotate the hublocks to the unlocked position.
    Fig 4: Tightening Neck Of Probe
    G03180034Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
    Fig 5: Installing Dial Indicator
    G03180035Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  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.
    • Make sure the probe can move in a lateral direction.
    • Tighten the neck of the probe.
  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.
    • 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.
    Fig 6: Identifying Wheel Bearing Endplay
    G03180036Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  11. Remove the wheel hub. For additional information, refer to SUSPENSION SYSTEM-GENERAL INFORMATION .
  12. Carry out the following steps for the wheel bearing roughness/noise inspection:
    • With the wheel hub unit 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.
      Fig 7: Rotating Outer Flange Of Wheel Bearing
      G03180037Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
    • 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 8: Checking Wheel Bearing Noise By Stethoscope
    G03180038Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  13. Install the wheel hub. For additional information, refer to SUSPENSION SYSTEM-GENERAL INFORMATION .
  14. Test the system for normal operation.
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