Hi all! My first post here. I came here to search for information on replacing the front wheel bearings on my 2004 F-150. I've searched other forums too and I'm confused about what I've seen and what the repair manuals say. My truck is 2WD; the manuals say that the bearings are integrated into the wheel hub assembly and you have to replace the hub assembly. The only discussion I can find on the topic refers to that being the case for 4WD. The parts store I go to (non-chain, local operation, usually dead on with their information) says that the hub change only applies to 4WD and that 2WD is your normal wheel bearing setup. Can someone here please steer me in the right direction? Thanks so much!

 

the repair manual is correct. '04 and newer(excluding heritage) 2wd models have a single, non-serviceable wheel bearing. the hub, rotor, and bearing is one big assembly. changing them is extremely easy, just unbolt the caliper, remove the spindle nut, and the hub/rotor slips right off. when you get a new hub/rotor make sure to replace the spindle nut(its a 1 time use nut). use lock-tite or other thread locker....and the torque spec for the nut is a crazy 296 ft lbs

 

edit: wrong thread

 

Ok, thanks. I guess it may be easy but it sure isn't cheap! I'll have to wait a few paychecks before I can fix it then. And that is some hefty torque! Wow!

 

Ok, next question: I'm having trouble finding the correct replacement part. Everything I'm seeing is 5 or 7 lug hubs and mine is 6. For instance: Discount Car Parts Stuff - Car Accessories & Truck Accessories - Cheap Auto Parts - Car Cover - Floor Mats - Cargo Liner - 2004 Ford F-150 Wheel Hub Assembly Stock Replacement

It lists "vin "3" XLT" and such... what part of the vin are they referring to? There is no 3 or W anywhere in my vin. There is a "5" in the 8th and 9th positions.

Here's what I have: 2004 F-150 XLT, 5.4L, supercab, 145" wb, towing package.

 

The price is painful, but I'd say don't waste your time on after market stuff, it doesn't seem to be up to snuff.

A friend put on a set from Auto Zone and ended up putting on another from Ford a few thousand miles later when the bearings failed in one of the Auto Zone rotors.

 

And if I get it from Ford, at least it'll be the correct parts.

On a side note, it's interesting that I'm getting replies from the motorcycle guys. :tup: I have 3 bikes myself.

 

another thing that you might be interested in is seeing if your parts store can get parts from the brand "centric". they make a kit for the 2wd f150's that has a separate hub/bearing from the rotor. you install the hub/bearing and then allows the use of a 4wd slip-off rotor(it is supplied in the kit along with a new spindle nut). that way for future brake work it is a lot less expensive.

 

Raybestos is the OEM supplier to Ford for the rotor and brake pads. You also need to replace the brake pads too.

Online Auto Parts and Auto Accessories Store at PartsAmerica.com part 680178

While we find your parts, please enter your ZIP Code at PartsAmerica.com

 

[quote=woodsatyr;6497705]And if I get it from Ford, at least it'll be the correct parts.

Well be aware :- IF you buy your parts from Y2K Ford in Seattle don't trust you will get the right bits.On April I ordered set of discs, they admit to not checking the vin and shipped the wrong parts (7 lug) when it should be 6 lug.

So far I have had e mails but no replacement 'Kenny' the parts manager is about as useless as they come, wants the old ones back first OK there here collect !

Into month 6 and no communication---bunch of no hopers I guess !!!!!!!

Mad and angry

 

Sheesh! That sucks. I was having trouble finding the correct lug pattern. I couldn't find anything with the 6 lug pattern.

Well, I took it to the stealership today. $700. No reach around, no hair pulling, no kiss. That is just f'in ridiculous. Who the hell engineered that cluster f'? Crimony.

 

Try reading my first post above. I gave you the part numbers for the 6 lug.

 

Ooops, I thought that was the place I found when I searched and couldn't find anything. I probably coulda gotten my parts place to get it for me (cause I needed it really fast). Doh!

 

Why are you replacing them?

 

Because they've gone bad. They were starting to roar and getting worse.