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 6 (Suspension - Front) >> Adjustments & Inspection >> Front Wheel Bearings

Front Wheel Bearings

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 1999 Mercury Mystique, 1999 Mercury Cougar, 1999 Ford Contour, 1998 Mercury Mystique, and 1998 Ford Contour. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Two opposed and tapered roller bearings and a grease retainer ride inside the hub. Bearings are pressed into steering knuckle from inboard side. A snap ring is installed for extra retention. Bearings require no periodic maintenance or adjustment.

Since bearing cannot be adjusted, hub retainer nut must not be backed off after reaching required torque during installation. If bearing is disassembled for any reason, it must be replaced as a unit. DO NOT reuse hub retainer nut.

  1. Road test vehicle on smooth road. Make sharp turns right and left. If front bearings make noise when vehicle is turned right, replace left wheel bearing. If front bearings make noise when vehicle is turned left, replace right wheel bearing.
  2. Raise and support vehicle. Check for loose front wheel bearing by rocking wheels at top and bottom. Ensure wheel turns smoothly without noise when spun quickly.
  3. Remove wheel assembly. Remove brake caliper, and wire aside. Remove rotor. Position dial indicator against wheel hub. Push and pull wheel hub. Measure end play of wheel hub and front wheel bearing assembly. Maximum allowable end play is .002" (.05 mm). If end play exceeds specification, install new front wheel bearing.
scientia non olet · About LEMON Manuals