Not sure if wheel bearing?

[dogcmp6]

So my Explorer 04 xlt, is making a noise around turns, it sounds like a rubbing noise, however is mainly noticeable when turning right, today I noticed my brakes also feel soft when going around turn. My sway bar is disconnected, but I think the issue may be the front left wheel bearing, can anybody confirm if those symptoms are correct, or what else could be causing it

 

[Number4]

1st rule of wheel bearings: it's the wheel bearing.
2nd rule of wheel bearings: we meant the other side (at least you have two new bearings now!)

Make sure the wheel well liners don't show signs of rubbing. Specifically the drivers, forward of tire by shock.

Edit, fix the sway bar before doing anything else. It's a gremlin that causes all sorts of "problems."

 

[dogcmp6]

Well, now the 4x4 is engaging on its own for no reason, and 5the car is moving kind of slow and jumpy until it gets moving what the hell

 

[drdoom]

Dog that sounds like a wheel hub for sure, and that the sensor is kicking the 4x4 in.

 

[dogcmp6]

Yeah, I can't think of anything else that would cause it, she's going straghit to the shop, I'm not moving it if it is a wheel hub

 

[Number4]

Jack up the front end. If you can rock the wheel at all (not just tire flex) tow it. If it doesn't move, drive it to the shop.

These tend to fail but stay intact for some time.

 

[dogcmp6]

So I just got the car to the shop today, they called, they want $470.00 to replace the whole hub assembly, (just the hub assembly on the front left) I understand the whole assembly needs to be replaced, but can anyone confirm that I am being royally ripped off?

 

[EBfan]

So I just got the car to the shop today, they called, they want $470.00 to replace the whole hub assembly, (just the hub assembly on the front left) I understand the whole assembly needs to be replaced, but can anyone confirm that I am being royally ripped off?

That kinda depends which hub they are planning on putting on and how much you value their time - I just bought two for $160 each (SKF brand) - They can be purchased for cheaper (different brand) but from what i've read on here aren't necessarily of the same quality as the SKF brand - Chances are (again from what i've read on here of others experiences) if they are a cheaper or even different brand there's a good chance they aren't going to last anywhere near the same amount of mileage.

 

[lincolnshibuya]

the front is easy to replace (compared to PITA rear) and $470 for 1 side is a rip off unless the wheel bearing on that new hub is made of gold. you could buy the hub from $50-$150 online or in parts store and have it installed in 1hr or less.
i bought GMB hub in amazon ($70+) and it's been working fine for 2 yrs (more than 25k now)

 

[dogcmp6]

That kinda depends which hub they are planning on putting on and how much you value their time - I just bought two for $160 each (SKF brand) - They can be purchased for cheaper (different brand) but from what i've read on here aren't necessarily of the same quality as the SKF brand - Chances are (again from what i've read on here of others experiences) if they are a cheaper or even different brand there's a good chance they aren't going to last anywhere near the same amount of mileage.

As far as I know, he only orders OEM parts, so I imagine it is an OEM motorcraft hub, which costs 220 dollars direct from ford, Im thinking I am going to do the other side my self in the near future though, and will keep SKF in mind

 

[lincolnshibuya]

so the shop labor charges $250/hr ?

 

[Number4]

Keep in mind too, that the OE hubs failed as early as 40k, if not less. SKF are always either OE, or better than OE.

Designed for form, fit and function doesn't mean it's quality just that from the outside it looks the same and it mounts up and 'will' work.

Also consider how long you plan to keep the vehicle. I'll put top quality parts on a 20 year old car ('94 Ex) because I plan to keep it.

 

[delaware74b]

You can buy the OEM Ford hubs for $169 each plus shipping. The hubs are complete with the ABS sensor installed and new mounting bolts. That makes for the garage charging $280 per hub to install them. I changed one on my wife's in about 2 hours. Probably would have been 45 minutes less if Ford didn't use that ****** RTV between the hub and the spindle.

 

[Number4]

You can buy the OEM Ford hubs for $169 each plus shipping. The hubs are complete with the ABS sensor installed and new mounting bolts. That makes for the garage charging $280 per hub to install them. I changed one on my wife's in about 2 hours. Probably would have been 45 minutes less if Ford didn't use that ****** RTV between the hub and the spindle.

Hahahhahahhaha, seriously, what gives? What's the point of the rtv? Damn that stupid rtv.

It won't be this easy, but here you go.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=402670

 

[delaware74b]

Number 4 - I have no clue why that RTV is used. I had read somewhere online Ford used it due to dissimilar metals or to keep water out of the bearing.

Neither reasons hold up, IMHO. Dissimilar metals? What about those 3 steel bolts going through the back side of the spindle?! Add poor planning for future maintenance and ease of replacement. Those bolts should have been designed to be installed from the outside, not the inside of the spindle.

We have enough problems with water getting in the hubs around the back side of the spindle and the CV axle stub. Needless to say, I didn't use any RTV on the replacement hub and I used anti-seize on the mounting bolts because I know I will be replacing that **** thing again.

My wife absolutely loves her '04 despite all of its flaws. She almost bought an '07 Edge but it was way too much $$$$.

I have already dealt with: recirc door issue, drivers front bearing, right rear outside door handle. The list of to-be-fixed items is longer: upper and lower ball joints, exhaust rattle, intermittent reverse sensor failure, pulsating brakes.