Rear Hub Bearing Question

[suzy1052]

I purchased a new rear bearing kit and had the local Ford dealer press it together for me.My question is do the rear bearings have some play in them as I am able to wiggle the new bearing just as much as I was the old one.Is this the way the rear bearing was designed?I put one on the front a couple of months ago and it was TIGHT with no movement other than circular.In all the experience I have had with any bearing if you were able to feel any grinding or wiggle/wobble it was bad and needed to be replaced.I have not put it on yet as I would like some clarification.

 

[drbombay]

The wiggle should disappear once the axle nut is torqued and the bearing is preloaded, if not something ain't right.

 

[suzy1052]

OK thanks-should the wheel be in the air or on the ground for tightening ?

 

[drbombay]

in the air with brakes applied, 203 ft-lbs of torque, doing it with weight on the wheel may damage the new bearing and can get pricey after a few tries.

 

[suzy1052]

Ok thanks again thats what I ended up doing however the other side has gone out too lol.

 

[mounty8182]

not to thread jack..but quick question..Can I just replace the wheel bearing or do I need to get the entire Hub assembly also?

 

[clarks2001]

not to thread jack..but quick question..Can I just replace the wheel bearing or do I need to get the entire Hub assembly also?

I was going to ask the same question lol. I think I have a bad bearing again.

 

[drbombay]

In the beginning the hub and bearing where to be replaced, however possibly due to the high cost of warranty work on these parts, as of tsb 05-25-8 ford decided that a lower level of service would suffice with bearing replacement only, retaining the old hub. It's around $100 in the difference for the parts.

 

[rblais]

drbombay, are we still talking about the rear bearing as being replacable without having to replace the whole hub assembly? Or does that apply to front also? Thanks.

 

[jrford]

front is a sealed unit there is no way to replace 'just' the bearing, although the ABS sensor is replaceable.

Rears, i'd almost just rather get the hub, the tolerances are really close you might be asking from more trouble in the long run. Although if i was short on cash, i might give it a go, but save my money for both . . .

 

[drbombay]

Yes just the rears. If you consider how many of these Ford was replacing even at their cost 2 hubs per vehicle would add up quickly. Depending on your parts venders return policy it might be worth your time to buy both-bearing only and hub/bearing kit. Then when you get them apart and inspect your old hub you make a decision and return which ever part you don't use. I live in eastern Canada where rust and corrosion reign supreme so I tend to replace both, you may not have to and the money can stay in your pocket.