Hello, I apologize in advance for not posting an intro (I know how these forums work usually) but I hope not to need much help. I am actually trying to help out a friend.

He has been complaining to me about a squeel and a grinding noise in his front end. I took his truck for a test drive during lunch, and immediately thought he may have a bad wheel bearing. I had him drive over to my house after work so we could take a better look.

I jacked up the front end and placed the truck on stands, then with the wheel on, I gave the tire a tug. Much to my horror, the wheel moved toward me almost half an inch. We removed the wheel to get a better look. It appears that the wheel bearing has had a catastrophic failure. The hub assembly has far too much play. So much so that the rotor has actually been grinding against the inside of the caliper. The rotor is likely shot, but the caliper should be fine.

Here is where I need help: I come from the world of import 4x4s. I have installed several lifts, and am knowledgeable about replacing wheel bearings, hubs, lift spindle, etc. I know nothing of Fords however. Can someone refer me to a part (part number is even better)....and please, if I am on the wrong track, let me know. I'll include a picture of what I am looking for.

Thanks in advance.

 

I believe that's the axle seal. If that whole shaft moves, then you might need bearings too.

 

Right! The whole shaft moves...a lot. Shouldn't there be bearings right behind that seal? Thanks for the fast response.

 

Yes, that shaft should have bearings, but it doesn't look like it, http://www.partsmike.com/images/d60exploded.gif

 

I too had this question a few years back and got this answer.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/2...haft-play.html

 

Thats just a dust seal, The axle is supported @the hub & where it slides into the carrier.Is there play in that ujoint?

 

See the gap between the seal and the axle housing? That is where there is a lot of play...something is allowing the hub assembly to move far enough that the rotor is grinding against the caliper (not the pads). I don't mean to imply that the marked location is where the problem lies; just an assumption I made. I didn't really notice any slop in the U-joint, but that could have been because my attention was focused on that loose dust seal.

Are these sealed units?

 

If the rotor is sliding around enough to grind on the caliper or hanger brackets, then you have a real problem. Either the lug nuts aren't tight enough or you bearings are failing.

 

That's correct , and U-Joint look's ok from what we can see.

 

If you were able to move the wheel/tire in and out like you describe, the unit wheel bearings are shot. This is an assembly and it is replaced instead of being repaired.

I would look at the ball joints and the front U-joint while doing the wheel bearing replacement.

There should be wheel unit bearing replacement intructions in the tech folder here.

Lou Braun

 

This is a correct statement. Also, as stated earlier the item depicted in your drawing is merely a dust seal and often tends to have a bit of agap, not a big deal. The bearing assembly is most likely toast.


What you need is the whole shebang as pictured here. Also, do yourself a favor and but the studs at the same time. They are like $4.00 each and the $16.00 is worth the saved aggravation. If your bud has the moolah, now would be a phenominal time to do the ball joints. The kit in this picture is $800.00 from powerstrokeshop.com

Grinding calipers can also be caused by stuck caliper pins, so you need to clean and lube these while you have it apart, but if you can move it in and out, it is definately your unit bearing assembly, and no, you can not replace the internal bearings.

Good luck and welcome to FTE!!!!

 

that 800.00$$ is a vereeeey good price.looks like the good parts in the pic.. still need alignment too when your done

 

Okay...now I follow you. The exploded parts breakdown really helped. Thanks for all the quick responses.

 

That's a nice kit