2002 XLS brake question

[ergibbs]

I know I should know this already but should the front brake pads be pressing against the disc when the car is parked and the parking brake is engaged? Also, I feel that I could remove the hub just be pulling it if I removed the brake. Normal or no?

2 days ago the ABS light lit up and hasn't shut off. Today I began hearing a rubbing sound from the same wheel, front left, that sounded like metal on metal. I pulled the wheel and don't see anything obvious but I need to figure this out. This is what led me to pose the two questions above.

 

[anthonymtz]

I know I should know this already but should the front brake pads be pressing against the disc when the car is parked and the parking brake is engaged? Also, I feel that I could remove the hub just be pulling it if I removed the brake. Normal or no?

2 days ago the ABS light lit up and hasn't shut off. Today I began hearing a rubbing sound from the same wheel, front left, that sounded like metal on metal. I pulled the wheel and don't see anything obvious but I need to figure this out. This is what led me to pose the two questions above.

Ok, no worries, we're all here to help, when the parking brake is engaged it only stops the rear wheels from moving, as the the little pads on the inside of the rotor get compressed therefore stopping the back wheels, now the rubbing/shaking in the wheel sounds like your wheel hub is shot, the abs light is more than likely a false reading since it sounds like your wheel is about to fall off, I wouldn't drive it anymore untill you fix the hub, good luck!

 

[ergibbs]

Thanks for the info. In what ways does the hub fail? In other words, what should I be looking for to fix it?

 

[Sweersa]

Thanks for the info. In what ways does the hub fail? In other words, what should I be looking for to fix it?

You want to replace the hub as an assembly.

My hub made noise, then one day I went over a rough rail road crossing too fast, and that finally caused the hub to get worse to where the ABS and 4x4 light came on. Replaced the hub (a shop did it), and it was better after that.

 

[ergibbs]

Is this what you suggest?
http://www.amazon.com/GMB-725-0235-Wheel-Bearing-Assembly/dp/B0041MEBYO#immersive-view_1446305677809

 

[Sweersa]

Is this what you suggest?
http://www.amazon.com/GMB-725-0235-Wheel-Bearing-Assembly/dp/B0041MEBYO#immersive-view_1446305677809

Those seem to have good reviews. I'm not sure what make my mechanic used, but they have been fine for several months.

I hear Timken bearings are good.

 

[ergibbs]

is it possible that just the bearing needs to be changed?

 

[ergibbs]

I also see references, when looking up how to change the hub, to removing a nut in the center. I swear I don't remember seeing a nut when I looked at the hub yesterday. Is it possible that I simply lost the nut, or am I nuts?

 

[swshawaii]

22 pages for your reading pleasure.

How I changed my 05's Front Wheel Bearing
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=194002&highlight=hub+bearing

 

[Sweersa]

is it possible that just the bearing needs to be changed?

Yes, but you would need to press it out. That's how the rears are normally done. Not sure if pressing out the bearing is more cost effective than just replacing the assembly for the fronts.

 

[ergibbs]

Thanks. If I swap out the hub, the new assembly comes with the bearing, correct? The actual job of swapping out the entire assembly seems easier than swapping out just the bearing.

 

[ergibbs]

Thanks, Sweersa. It seems as though we were posting at about the same time and you confirmed what I thought. The assembly here in Costa Rica runs about $200 and I don't know if I feel comfortable waiting if I order it from Amazon.

 

[Sweersa]

Thanks, Sweersa. It seems as though we were posting at about the same time and you confirmed what I thought. The assembly here in Costa Rica runs about $200 and I don't know if I feel comfortable waiting if I order it from Amazon.

No problem! Yes, the new assembly will include a new hub, and I believe it would be a lot easier just swapping out the assembly.

 

[anthonymtz]

Thanks, Sweersa. It seems as though we were posting at about the same time and you confirmed what I thought. The assembly here in Costa Rica runs about $200 and I don't know if I feel comfortable waiting if I order it from Amazon.

I would recommend changing out the whole assembly, its easier IMO, I would also wait and order it online, you can maybe get the pair 100-150 online, alot of people said don't get a cheap hub, but I took the risk and bought a brand called prime choice for
80$ on ebay and got a pair for my brothers 04 impala and it's been about 4 years and 35,000 miles and so far no issues or noises! Good luck!

 

[ergibbs]

OK, yet another problem solved. Definitely swapping out the hub was the way to go. There's no way I would have ever attempted to replace the bearings and I'm not convinced that it's possible. It's certainly not worth the hassle compared to swapping out the hub. Thanks again to all