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Home >> Ford >> 2009 >> Flex Limited, FWD >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 864 (Noise, Vibration And Harshness) >> General Procedures >> Wheel Bearing Check >> Four wheel drive (4WD) vehicles

Four wheel drive (4WD) vehicles

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 Ford Ranger. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
NOTE: An assistant will be needed for this procedure.
  1. Position the vehicle on a hoist. For additional information, refer to JACKING AND LIFTING article.
  2. 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).
    3. 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.
  3. Evaluate the front wheel that is turning.
    • Place the stethoscope on the knuckle near the wheel bearing.
      Fig 1: Placing Stethoscope On Knuckle Near Wheel Bearing
      GF0006076Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
    • Make a mental note of the sound.
    • Using the brakes, stop the wheels from turning.
    4. 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 2: Evaluating Front Wheel
    GF0006077Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
    6. NOTE: Make sure the wheel rotates freely.
    NOTE: Rotate the hub locks to the unlocked position.
    Fig 3: Locating Splash Shield Opening
    GF0008420Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  6. Carry out the following steps for the wheel bearing endplay setup:
    • Install the special tool to the knuckle.
      • Fig 4: Installing Special Tool To Knuckle
      GF0008421Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
    • 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.
  7. Carry out the following steps for the wheel bearing endplay:
    Fig 5: Checking Wheel Bearing Endplay
    GF0006079Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
    • 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.
  8. Remove the wheel hub. For additional information, refer to FRONT SUSPENSION - FOUR WHEEL DRIVE (4WD) article.
    9. Fig 6: Removing Wheel Hub
    GF0006080Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  9. 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.
    • Rotate the outer flange of the wheel bearing while applying downward pressure. Using a stethoscope, check the wheel bearing for noise.
      Fig 7: Checking Wheel Bearing For Noise Using Stethoscope
      GF0006081Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
      • 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.
  10. Install the wheel hub. For additional information, refer to FRONT SUSPENSION - FOUR WHEEL DRIVE (4WD) article.
  11. Test the system for normal operation.
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