how to check if my Ford Explorer's wheel bearings are bad

Ford Explorer Sixth Generation (2020-present)

Error Codes

2-4 hours

Time

medium

Difficulty

high

Severity

3 min read

555 words

⚠️ Safety Warning

This issue requires immediate attention. If you are not experienced with automotive repairs, consult a professional mechanic. Working on critical systems can be dangerous.

Problem Statement

Learn how to diagnose and fix bad wheel bearings on your Ford Explorer. Step-by-step guide with symptoms, diagnostic steps, and repair instructions.

Affected Component

Suspension

Estimated Time

2-4 hours

⚠️ Safety Warnings

Important safety information - read before proceeding

•Ensure the vehicle is on a flat surface and secure it with wheel chocks before lifting.
•Always disconnect the battery if working on the braking system.
•Allow the vehicle to cool down before inspection if it has been driven recently.

Symptoms

•Grinding or humming noise coming from the wheel area while driving
•Vibration in the steering wheel or cabin during acceleration
•Uneven tire wear on the affected wheel
•Loose feeling in the steering or difficulty steering
•Clunking sounds when turning corners

Diagnostic Steps

1
Check for any visible damage or rust on the wheel bearings or surrounding components.
2
Jack up the vehicle and grab the wheel at the 12 and 6 o'clock positions. Attempt to rock the wheel back and forth to check for excessive play.
3
Spin the wheel by hand and listen for any grinding or roughness that indicates bearing wear.
4
Drive the vehicle at various speeds and listen for any abnormal noises that change with speed or when turning.
5
Check the brake components to ensure they are not contributing to the noise or vibration.

Solution

💡 Expert Tip

For complex repairs like this, consider taking photos at each step. This helps if you need to reverse a step or consult with a mechanic. Also, keep all removed parts organized - you may need to reference them during reassembly.

Verification

After completing the repair, verify that the issue has been resolved:

✓Test the affected component to ensure it functions correctly
✓Check for any error codes or warning lights
✓Monitor the vehicle for a few days to ensure the issue does not recur

Prevention Tips

To prevent this issue from occurring again:

•Follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule
•Address warning signs early before they develop into major issues
•Use quality parts and fluids recommended for your vehicle
•Keep detailed records of all repairs and maintenance

Tools & Equipment Required

•Jack
•Jack stands
•Lug wrench
•Torque wrench
•Wheel chocks
•Safety glasses
•Bearing puller

Parts Required

•New wheel bearing
•Grease

Related Faults

Share this solution

Comments

No comments yet

Be the first to share your thoughts

Back to Generation

Diagnostic Steps

1
Check for any visible damage or rust on the wheel bearings or surrounding components.
2
Jack up the vehicle and grab the wheel at the 12 and 6 o'clock positions. Attempt to rock the wheel back and forth to check for excessive play.
3
Spin the wheel by hand and listen for any grinding or roughness that indicates bearing wear.
4
Drive the vehicle at various speeds and listen for any abnormal noises that change with speed or when turning.
5
Check the brake components to ensure they are not contributing to the noise or vibration.

Solution

1. Preparation

Tools Required: Jack, jack stands, lug wrench, torque wrench, wheel chocks, and safety glasses.
Safety Warning: Ensure the vehicle is on a flat surface and secure it with wheel chocks before lifting.

2. Lift the Vehicle

Use a jack to lift the vehicle at the appropriate jacking points.
Secure the vehicle with jack stands for safety.

3. Remove the Wheel

Use a lug wrench to remove the wheel nuts and take off the wheel.

4. Inspect the Wheel Bearing

Visual Inspection: Look for signs of wear, rust, or damage on the bearing and surrounding components.
Check for Play: Grasp the hub and check for lateral movement; excessive movement indicates a bad bearing.

5. Replace Wheel Bearing (if necessary)

Remove Hub Assembly: If the bearing is bad, unbolt the hub assembly from the steering knuckle.
Extract Old Bearing: Use a bearing puller to remove the old bearing from the hub.
Install New Bearing: Press the new bearing into the hub using a suitable press or hammer carefully.
Reassemble: Reattach the hub assembly to the steering knuckle and torque the bolts to manufacturer specifications.

6. Reinstall the Wheel

Place the wheel back onto the hub and hand-tighten the lug nuts.
Lower the vehicle and torque the lug nuts to the specified value.