Do You Have Worn Ford Wheel Bearings

If you are hearing an unusual humming or grinding noise coming from your Ford car wheels, it could be a sign of worn wheel bearings. Worn wheel bearings can cause serious problems if not addressed promptly, such as steering issues and even accidents.

In this article, we will discuss the signs and symptoms of worn Ford wheel bearings, how to diagnose the problem, and the steps you can take to fix it.

Signs and Symptoms of Worn Ford Wheel Bearings

The following are some of the signs and symptoms of worn Ford wheel bearings:

Unusual Noise: A humming or grinding noise coming from the wheels is a common sign of worn wheel bearings. The noise may be more pronounced when driving at high speeds or turning.

Wheel Vibration: If the wheel bearings are worn out, the wheels may vibrate or wobble while driving, especially at higher speeds.

Uneven Tire Wear: Worn wheel bearings can cause uneven tire wear, which can result in a shorter tire lifespan.

Steering Issues: Worn wheel bearings can cause steering issues, such as pulling to one side or difficulty steering the vehicle.

Diagnosing Worn Ford Wheel Bearings

Before fixing the problem, you must first diagnose the issue to ensure that it is, in fact, worn wheel bearings that are causing the problem. Here are the steps to follow:

• Jack up the vehicle and support it with jack stands.
• Wiggle the wheels to see if there is any movement.
• Grab the wheel at the 12 and 6 o'clock positions and try to move it back and forth. If there is any movement, it could be a sign of worn wheel bearings.
• Next, grab the wheel at the 9 and 3 o'clock positions and try to move it back and forth. If there is any movement, it could be a sign of worn ball joints or tie rod ends.
• Finally, check for play in the hub assembly by grabbing the tire at the 12 and 6 o'clock positions and pulling outward. If there is any movement, it could be a sign of worn wheel bearings.

Fixing Worn Ford Wheel Bearings

If you have determined that the issue is indeed worn Ford wheel bearings, here are the steps to fix the problem:

• Remove the Wheel: First, remove the wheel that has the worn wheel bearings.
• Remove the Brake Caliper and Rotor: Next, remove the brake caliper and rotor
• Remove the Hub Assembly: Use a hammer and punch to remove the center hub nut, then remove the hub assembly from the spindle.
• Replace the Wheel Bearings: Remove the wheel bearings from the hub assembly and replace them with new ones.
• Reassemble the Hub Assembly: Reassemble the hub assembly, then reinstall the rotor and brake caliper.
• Reinstall the Wheel: Finally, reinstall the wheel and torque the lug nuts to the manufacturer's specifications.

Conclusion

Worn Ford wheel bearings can cause serious issues if not addressed promptly, so it is crucial to recognize the signs and symptoms of worn wheel bearings and address the problem promptly. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can diagnose and fix the issue and keep your Ford car running smoothly and safely on the road. If you are unsure about fixing the problem yourself, it is always best to seek the help of a professional mechanic.