Wheel Bearing and Wheel Hub - F-250, F-350: Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 Ford F-550 Super Duty, 2013 Ford F-450 Super Duty, 2013 Ford F-350 Super Duty, and 2013 Ford F-250 Super Duty. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: Do not spin the bearing dry with compressed air or damage to the bearing may result.

NOTE: Remove all traces of lubricant from the bearings, hub and spindle. Inspect bearings and bearing cups for pitting, spalling or unusual wear. If either bearings or bearing cups are worn or damaged, both bearings and bearing cups should be installed new.

NOTE: It is recommended that bearings and bearing cups be installed in sets. If cups are worn or damaged, install the inner and outer bearing cups in the hub with an appropriate bearing cup driver tool. Check for correct seating of the new bearing cups by trying to insert a 0.38 mm (0.015 in) feeler gauge between the bottom face of the cup and wheel hub seat. It should not be possible to insert the feeler gauge.

Remove all burrs, nicks or scratches from the shoulder of the spindle and seal bore in the hub with emery cloth.
Pack the inside of the hub with wheel bearing grease. Fill the hub until the grease is flush with the inside diameters of both bearing cups.

Fig 1: Locating Bearing Cups
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Using a bearing packer, pack the wheel bearings with wheel bearing grease. If a packer is not available, work as much lubricant as possible between the rollers and cages.
Place the inner wheel bearing in the inner cup and, using a suitable seal installer, install the wheel bearing hub seal. Make sure the seal is fully seated and lubricated.
NOTE: Keep the hub and brake disc assembly centered on the wheel spindle to prevent damage to the grease seal and spindle threads.

Position the brake disc and hub assembly onto the wheel spindle.
NOTE: Do not tighten the nut at this time.

Position the outer wheel bearing cone and roller assembly and the flat washer on the spindle, then loosely install the wheel spindle nut.
Adjust the wheel bearing end play. For additional information, refer to WHEEL BEARING ADJUSTMENT - F-250, F-350 .
Position the brake caliper and anchor plate assembly and install the 2 bolts.
- Tighten the bolts to 225 Nm (166 lb-ft).
Install the wheel and tire. For additional information, refer to WHEELS AND TIRES .