Wheel Bearing Adjustment

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.

CAUTION: 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 the linings. To check the wheel bearing adjustment, raise the front of the vehicle. Grasp the tire at the sides and alternately push inward and pull outward on the tire. If any looseness is felt, adjust the front wheel bearings as follows.

NOTE: Super Duty F-250, F-350 shown, Super Duty F-450, F-550 similar.

Remove the grease cap.

Fig 1: Locating Grease Cap
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the cotter pin and the wheel hub nut.
- Discard the cotter pin.
  
  Fig 2: Locating Cotter Pin
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
While rotating the wheel clockwise, tighten the wheel hub nut to 28 Nm (21 lb-ft) to seat the bearings.

Fig 3: Tightening Wheel Hub Nut
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Back off the wheel hub nut until loose (approximately 120 degrees to 180 degrees).

Fig 4: Backing Off Wheel Hub Nut
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
While rotating the wheel, tighten the wheel hub nut to 2 Nm (18 lb-in). Turning torque required to rotate the hub should be 2 Nm (18 lb-in).
- Install a new cotter pin.
  
  Fig 5: Installing Cotter Pin
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the grease cap.

Fig 6: Installing Grease Cap
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.