wheel bearings??

shu5720 · #1 (**permalink**) 05-17-2008, 12:11 PM

Hey guys. Took the truck out today, a 2000 F250 XLT 4x4 and now can hear a grinding/dragging from the front end. Seems to be more pronounced turning to the right. I checked the drivers side and I can turn the u-joint but there is a lot of play and noise where it enters the knuckle. So I am thinking the wheel bearing/hub assembly. The pass side does not move, although I noticed the 4wd hub was just prior to being all the way to "free". There is also noticeable play where this side enters the knuckle. It does not sound like brakes, seems to be a heavier grinding like bad bearings but I wanted to check with the resident experts prior to tearing into it again. Thanks for the help, you guys are the best.

dyhrdford · #2 (**permalink**) 05-17-2008, 01:06 PM

Try jacking up the front of the truck and wiggle the tire top and bottom. Have someone watch what moves.

shu5720 · #3 (**permalink**) 05-17-2008, 01:21 PM

yeah, that was my plan today/tonight. Let you guys know when i do.

SpringerPop · #4 (**permalink**) 05-17-2008, 03:22 PM

Tip:

If you decide that hub replacement is necessary, go to the dealership and buy the four stud bolts that screw into the hub. You DON'T want to even try to re-use the old ones.

They're about $4.00 each, and you need four.

If you don't, and decide to attempt to re-use them, you'll come out of the other end of the job wondering why you didn't just spend the money. :-))

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Gmeanie · #5 (**permalink**) 05-17-2008, 05:29 PM

It might be just the needle bearing too.

SpringerPop · #6 (**permalink**) 05-17-2008, 08:31 PM

Yup, meanie, it could be the needles, too.

Shu, take a look at this page as a reference:
Welcome to guzzle's 4x4 Needle Bearing Maintenance Web Page

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shu5720 · #7 (**permalink**) 05-18-2008, 06:33 AM

Springer Pop - i'll hopefully get it apart tonight. I looked at the link. It seems when I take the weight off the bearing and feel just the needle bearing moving, it's okay but will check that as well. Does anyone know if the ABS front hub assembly will fit non-ABS trucks?? I only ask as I could get them for about half as much. I realize its not right, just trying to save a few coins.

Jack_99V10 · #8 (**permalink**) 05-18-2008, 12:38 PM

Mine came with the 4 bolts from NAPA, using a friends account it was $350 for the ABS unit.

ironmine · #9 (**permalink**) 05-18-2008, 01:04 PM

If the needle bearing is bad, the sound would dissapear when you locked in the hub.

Sure sounds like a bad whl brg/hub.

Good luck.

SpringerPop · #10 (**permalink**) 05-18-2008, 02:46 PM

I got my last Timkin hub, a 515020, for $249 plus tax. This was not a Chinese part. Some parts houses are willing to "negotiate". :-))

Of course, I still had to buy the $16 worth of studs....

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