how to check the wheel bearings on a Ford F-150 13th Generation (2015-2020)

Ford F-150 13th Generation (2015-2020)

Error Codes

1-2 hours

Time

medium

Difficulty

medium

Severity

3 min read

545 words

Problem Statement

Learn how to check wheel bearings on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150. Step-by-step guide with symptoms, diagnostic steps, tools, and safety tips.

Affected Component

Suspension

Estimated Time

1-2 hours

⚠️ Safety Warnings

Important safety information - read before proceeding

•Always ensure the vehicle is securely lifted and supported on jack stands before working underneath.
•Wear safety goggles and gloves to protect against debris and sharp edges.

Symptoms

•Grinding or humming noise while driving
•Vibration felt through the steering wheel
•Uneven tire wear
•Looseness in the wheel assembly
•Pulling to one side while driving

Diagnostic Steps

1
Visually inspect the wheel for any signs of damage or abnormal wear.
2
Jack up the front or rear of the vehicle and secure it with jack stands.
3
Grasp the top and bottom of the tire and check for any play or movement.
4
Spin the wheel and listen for any unusual noises such as grinding or clicking.
5
Check the brake rotor for any scoring or abnormal wear patterns.

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
•Socket set

Parts Required

•Wheel bearing hub assembly (if replacement is necessary)
•Grease for wheel bearings (if needed)

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Diagnostic Steps

1
Visually inspect the wheel for any signs of damage or abnormal wear.
2
Jack up the front or rear of the vehicle and secure it with jack stands.
3
Grasp the top and bottom of the tire and check for any play or movement.
4
Spin the wheel and listen for any unusual noises such as grinding or clicking.
5
Check the brake rotor for any scoring or abnormal wear patterns.

Solution

1. Preparation

Gather necessary tools: jack, jack stands, lug wrench, and a socket set.
Park the vehicle on a flat surface and engage the parking brake.

2. Lift the Vehicle

Use the jack to lift the front or rear of the vehicle.
Secure the vehicle on jack stands to ensure stability before starting work.

3. Remove the Wheel

Using a lug wrench, loosen the lug nuts slightly while the vehicle is still on the ground.
Once the vehicle is lifted, remove the lug nuts completely and take off the wheel.

4. Inspect the Wheel Bearing

Locate the wheel bearing hub assembly.
Check for any visible signs of damage or wear.
If necessary, remove the dust cap from the center of the hub to inspect the bearing grease.

5. Check for Play

Reattach the wheel without tightening the lug nuts fully.
Grasp the wheel at the 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock positions and push/pull to check for play.
Any excessive movement indicates a need for bearing replacement.

6. Reassemble

If the bearings are in good condition, reassemble the wheel by reversing the removal steps.
Tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer's specified torque (usually around 140 lb-ft for F-150s).

7. Lower the Vehicle

Remove the jack stands and carefully lower the vehicle.
Perform a final check of the lug nut torque with the vehicle on the ground.