I orginaly put this into the Powertrain section but didnt get any replies so I was kinda hoping someone in here would be able to help me.

I dont know what I am doing wrong if anything. My 2003 5.4L FX4 keeps taking out wheel bearings soon than I would think they should. I have replaced both bearings up front and now I have another one out all within the past 14 months.

I know I am rough on my truck, but I guess I am doing something wrong with my truck. I never drive it on the pavement in 4 wheel drive, and I only use 4 wheel when I need it!

Is there anything that I can do to keep these to last longer? Or are there better ones than stock that i can put in there that are better? I am open to any suggestions at this point. Thanks for the help ahead of time.

Brian

 

I'm guessing that you take it offroad quite a bit. If so, are you mud/sand. That will take wheel bearings out pretty fast. It's amazing how sand and mud can get into place that are "Sealed" and wear the parts out. How often are you taking it out into places like that?

I can't speak for the Ford wheel bearings wearing out, but I've got friends with Jeeps that play around in the mud/sand all the time and they go through them pretty fast. My Jeep hasn't seen mud in a long time, I just take it rockcrawling and my bearings are still holding up fine.

Robbie

 

Overtightening the nut that holds the bearings on will shorten the life. Or, could they have been crushed before they were backed off 1/4 turn? The wheels should spin freely in the air when the new bearings are installed. Did you install them yourself or was it that 18 year old kid at the muffler shop?

I have also heard that oversize tires or wheels with incorrect backspacing can also put unusual loads on the wheel bearings. If you drive the truck hard it might be a factor.