2000 North Face front wheel bearing/hub needed

[simonkn8574]

As it says really, got a huge grinding noise that increases as I accellerate, dies when I turn left and goes ballistic when I turn right, most noticeable at about 40mph....

Apart from keeping well away from that speed am I right in thinking I need a right hand bearing/hub unit?

Rock auto suggest prices from £25 to £125 for the same part.. Are some better than others or does anyone UK based have any parts for sale?

Regards and Merry Christmas all....

Simon

 

[Carguy3J]

Actually, it will most likely be the opposite. If the noise gets worse when you TURN right, then its probably the left (driver side- in the U.S.) side bearing that is bad.

Turning right transfers weight and force to the left side of the vehicle, and vice versa.

On the other hand, it might be a good idea to do both at the same time, along with checking the rest of the front end, and servicing as needed. You may also want to get an alignment done after changing the hubs. In theory, nothing should change, just by changing the hubs, but, due to manufacturing tolerances, variation in bolt torque, etc... it is POSSIBLE you're alignment could be off after replacing them.

 

[Carguy3J]

Another thought: I just re-read your post, and noticed that you mentioned it getting worse while accelerating. Are you sure the noise/problem is the front? When you accelerate, again, weight and force is transferred, this time to the rear of the vehicle. It could be a rear outer axle bearing. Just something to check first.

 

[simonkn8574]

No it's definitely the front end... The grinding ( deep noise) and the vibrations all come from the right side wheel area, from in front of the drivers wheel in the UK!
I read the other threads that suggested it was the right side, but I may as well do both I suppose..
Any way to tell if the drive shafts are ok?

 

[p3rryn]

I had similar problem (grinding noise at ~40mph) which was the front bearings.

After doing some research on here I replaced mine with Timkens from RockAuto, a bit more expensive that the no brand ebay types but nearly 3 years on and not a squeak (literally ). Timkens are what ford fit from the factory.

I would also definitely replace both sides, both have done the same miles after all and I find it easier to do these jobs in one hit rather than try to remember what I did a few months down the line!

-P

 

[simonkn8574]

Cheers for that... So no problems with anything else drivetrain related.. Driveshafts etc ?

 

[p3rryn]

No, but check the cv gators for any obvious splits/grease.

The one bit of important advice I'd give is to torque the hub nut correctly, too much or little and you'll cause it to prematurely wear. I also left mine to settle for a month then re did it.

 

[belldarr]

Good advice on checking the torque on the hub nuts when fitting the new hubs - I had a garage replace mine and then had to have those replaced 12 months later as they were knackered, was a mare arguing between the garage and the hub supplier - end result was me paying for the replacements.

Darren