Well, I am coming up on the time to do a needle bearing lube, and am wondering if I shoot some axle grease into the ABS sensor hole, if it is going to lube the wheel bearing or the needle bearings, or both, or nothing. If i don't have to seperate the hubs/knuckle, that would be a big plus. Thanks FTE!

 

NOT the needle bearings. You have to seperate the hub from the knuckle to do the needle bearings.

Good luck.

 

Careful taking the sensors out of the hub, they have a bad habit of coming apart when removed. Also, Unless your hubs are squeaky clean removing the sensors will knock grit into the hole

 

OK, Thanks for the clarification. I'll separate the hubs/knuckle to lube the needle bearings then. I think I might lube the caliper slide pins and change the front diff oil at the same time..

 

I am doing my hub and balljoints, removing the hub isn't as bad as I thought. The funny thing is, it took my about 30 minutes to remove the wheel, brakes, and hub lockers, but it took me 2 days to find a big enough external ring plier that would work for the 06 F350.

 

Where did you end up finding the proper c-clip-ring pliers at? I appreciate the info.

 

I went to a local hardware store. The usual 7 inch pliers won't work, you need something atleast 9inch with a slightly angled tip. Also, on the 2005 and up there are no needle bearings, there are sealed ball bearings, so they are not repackable. There's a snap ring that holds them in the hub but I haven't tried to see if they are removable.

 

Johnis, you are partly right about the needle bearings in the 05 hubs. Due to failure of the needle bearings carrying the full load of the stub shaft on the 2004, Ford put a full roller bearing in there to compensate and moved the needle bearing to inside the accual 4x4 auto locking assembly that slides out with the auto/lock selector cover. I know this because mine just failed due to lack of grease. I was told that no replacement needle bearing is available(even from ford) and I would have to buy the whole 4x4 auto locking asssembly for $400.
I am pulling my hair out over the lack of help / knowledge, available info or photos from Ford or the web on these 05 auto locking assemblies and the hub wheel bearing assemblies. I've spent hours online, with tons of data available for the 04, but it was like the 05 design didn't exist until I found a picture in these guy's photo gallery. Need help, can I get the bearing seperate!

 

FordManiac76, welcome to FTE.


Send a message to our favorite parts supplier, partsguyed.com. He's south of you in Washington. He can help you get what you need to repair your truck.

 

Yep, i tried to remove my sensor when i did my ball joints to lube the non-serviceable hub bearings, there was nothing wrong with them, i just wanted to top them off... ended up ripping the sensor in half... Basically ruined a perfectly good hub for no good reason.