Can anyone tell me what they have experienced or what are the signs of a bad wheel bearing?

 

When you go into a hard curve, you hear a grinding, bumping noise. You can jack up the wheel, spin it, and hear/feel it. It usually makes the most noise when turning the opposite direction. If you are turning left and hear it, it is probably the right side.

 

+1 on the grinding and thump. mine made a bit of noise for a while until i replaced them. noticed when i was pulling the passenger side off that the hub itself would pull out of the bearing with ease. you dont want that.

 

Gotcha thanks guys I just jacked my truck up and it made a awful grinding noise on the drivers sidewheel I just priced that beating and it was 210.00 dollars holy $#@! I didnt know they cost that much I was use to my old trucks pay 20 bucks pack it with grease put it back on and be on my way not this time...lol ford what are you doing to us...lol

 

What year and is it 4X2?

 

It is a 99 4x4 5.4L ext cab

 

well the wheel bearing is pressed onto the hub. IIRC the hub is the inner race and wears down. also IIRC the ford price was better than napa/other auto suppliers

so at this point and time, your hub is probably ready to fall out but the nut holding the CV is also holding the hub lol

 

How difficult is it to change the wheel bearing? Do I need any special tools?

 

well since its wheel bearing & hub assy, you need your avg set of sockets to get to it, its just 3 bolts to get it out. you'll probably have to buy the socket to pull the nut off your CV i cant remember its size off my head. 36mm?

 

Usually the signs of a bad wheel bearing are preceeded by signs like "Caution- High water" ," ROAD CLOSED", " rough crossing" and dirt roads that are like washboards, repeatedly driven over without any regards to suspension/driveline wear and tear. Rarely have i seen a "BAD BEARING AHEAD" sign.





Sorry, I Could'nt resist

Grumbling, growling and other strange noises are usually a good indication of bad wheel bearings. Also loose wheels when the truck is up on jacks.

 

Thanks guys changed it and abs light went off rides alot better and sounds better too...lol..