Howdy all... I got a 99 F-150 Lariat 4x4 that I just recently put a new engine in. Runs like a champ! New problem I have, I would like some advise on since it's driving me crazy. The right hub bearing seems to be going bad about every 3 months. It starts growling, take it out, verify it's bad, then replace it again. This is getting old fast, and expensive. I suspect the hub may be bad, yet the hub assembly when I put in a new one goes in snug (not tight). I locktite the bolts also. What else should I look for. Been working my own vehicles for 37 years, and this has me thinking. The original bearing lasted 150,000, but hell, I can't get 10,000 out of the new ones.

 

Where are the parts from? It is getting harder and harder to find NOT box store parts, but bearings are one of the things I refuse to skimp on. Are made in China bearings cheaper? Absolutely they are, but not 2 or 3 times buying them plus headache. I only turned wrenches for a few years, but this is hard for mechanics to learn at times. Even harder to convince customers....

 

If sounds like you are buying bearings and installing on the old hub ? I suspect your loading the bearing wrong when pressing together. I dont think that hub is designed to be "repaired". You would be further ahead to buy a hub/ bearing unit and install. Even the cheap chineese ones last 60K miles.

 

or similar----------


http://www.ebay.com/itm/97-00-Ford-Pickup-Truck-F150-4WD-Front-Wheel-Bearing-Hub-Assembly-/370808934239?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Year%3A1997%7CModel%3AF-150&hash=item5655ef4f5f&vxp=mtr#ht_1691wt_951

 

I just had a wheel bearing replaced today. Normally I could do this myself, but I recently moved and don't have all my tools in one spot. I got hit with a much more expensive wheel bearing than I thought I would. The labor on it wasn't bad, $120, but they used Ford OEM parts and it cost me close to 200 for the wheel bearing. They said they would use OEM parts, but man, I didn't see one above 120 when I was looking for them myself. Lesson learned.

 

I don't think 200 is a bad price if the assy is for a 4x4 and has a new abs sensor with it. http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/x,ca...,parttype,1636

 

If you go to AUTO ZONE or NAPA or OEM, you will get $200- $300. wheel hub units. If you go on e-bay they will be under $100. Not saying they are the same unit or same quality, but not saying they are much better either. You have to look at the manufacturer and warranty.