What are the symptoms of a bad wheel bearing in the Ford Explorer Sixth Generation?

1. Unusual Noise

• Description: A humming, grinding, or rumbling noise that increases with vehicle speed and changes when turning.
• Location: The noise is often more pronounced on the side with the faulty bearing.

2. Vibration

• Description: Excessive vibration felt in the steering wheel or throughout the vehicle, especially at higher speeds.
• Cause: Misalignment caused by a failing bearing can lead to uneven tire wear and vibrations.

3. Play in Wheel

• Description: A noticeable looseness (play) when the wheel is rocked back and forth at the 12 and 6 o’clock position.
• Testing: This can be felt when the vehicle is lifted and secured on jack stands.

4. Uneven Tire Wear

• Description: Tires may show signs of uneven wear patterns—more wear on one side than the other due to bearing issues.
• Cause: A faulty bearing can lead to misalignment, contributing to uneven tire wear.

5. ABS Warning Light

• Description: The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning light may illuminate.
• Cause: Some wheel bearings contain sensors that can fail, triggering the ABS light.

6. Steering Issues

• Description: Difficulty steering or a feeling of instability when driving.
• Cause: A bad wheel bearing can affect vehicle handling and steering response.

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Step 1: Visual Inspection

• Tools Required: Flashlight, inspection mirror.
• Instructions:
  1. Safely lift the vehicle using a jack and secure it on jack stands.
  2. Inspect the wheel and tire for any visible damage or irregularities.
  3. Check for grease leakage around the wheel hub area.

Step 2: Noise Test

• Tools Required: None.
• Instructions:
  1. With the vehicle in gear and moving slowly (5-10 mph), listen for any unusual sounds.
  2. Turn the steering wheel slightly to the left and right to see if the noise changes, indicating which bearing may be faulty.

Step 3: Wheel Play Test

• Tools Required: None.
• Instructions:
  1. With the vehicle raised, grasp the tire at the 12 and 6 o’clock positions.
  2. Rock the wheel back and forth to check for play.
  3. Repeat this at the 3 and 9 o’clock positions.

Step 4: Vibration Test

• Tools Required: None.
• Instructions:
  1. Drive the vehicle at various speeds to assess whether excessive vibrations are present.
  2. Note if vibrations are consistent or change based on speed or direction.

Step 5: ABS Light Check

• Tools Required: OBD-II Scanner.
• Instructions:
  1. Connect an OBD-II scanner to the vehicle's diagnostic port.
  2. Check for any trouble codes related to the ABS system.

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Repair Instructions

If any of the above tests confirm a bad wheel bearing, follow these steps for replacement:

Tools Required

• Jack and jack stands
• Lug wrench
• Torque wrench
• Socket set (including deep sockets)
• Puller (if necessary)
• Hammer
• Bearing press or appropriate tools for bearing removal and installation
• Clean rags
• Grease

Step 1: Remove the Wheel

1. Loosen lug nuts using a lug wrench.
2. Lift the vehicle with a jack and secure it on jack stands.
3. Remove the lug nuts and take off the wheel.

Step 2: Remove the Brake Caliper and Rotor

1. Remove the brake caliper bolts and slide off the caliper. Secure it with a bungee cord to avoid straining the brake line.
2. Remove the rotor by taking out any retaining screws and sliding it off the hub.

Step 3: Remove the Hub Assembly

1. If necessary, remove the axle nut using a socket and breaker bar.
2. Disconnect any ABS sensor wiring and remove the hub assembly bolts.
3. Slide the hub assembly off the spindle. If it’s stuck, use a puller or gently tap with a hammer.

Step 4: Install New Wheel Bearing

1. Clean the bearing seat on the spindle.
2. Press the new bearing into the hub assembly using a bearing press.
3. Ensure the bearing is seated properly.

Step 5: Reassemble Components

1. Slide the hub assembly back onto the spindle.
2. Reattach the hub assembly bolts and tighten them to the manufacturer’s specifications.
3. Reinstall the brake rotor and caliper.
4. Reattach the axle nut and torque it according to specifications.

Step 6: Reinstall the Wheel

1. Place the wheel back onto the hub.
2. Hand-tighten the lug nuts.
3. Lower the vehicle and torque the lug nuts to the specified torque.

Step 7: Test Drive

1. Drive the vehicle at various speeds to ensure the noise and vibration issues are resolved.
2. Check for proper braking function and listen for any abnormal noises.

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Conclusion

Regular maintenance and prompt attention to symptoms of a failing wheel bearing can help prevent safety issues and prolong the life of your vehicle. If you are not comfortable performing these repairs, seeking professional assistance is recommended.