Ford Explorer Wheel Bearing: The Ultimate Guide to Troubleshooting, Maintenance, and Replacement

A malfunctioning Ford Explorer wheel bearing can lead to a variety of issues, including premature tire wear, decreased fuel efficiency, and compromised handling. In severe cases, a failed wheel bearing can cause the wheel to detach from the vehicle, posing a significant safety hazard.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), wheel bearing failure is a common problem among Ford Explorers, with over 200 complaints being filed in the past decade.

Symptoms of a Bad Ford Explorer Wheel Bearing

The symptoms of a bad Ford Explorer wheel bearing can vary depending on the severity of the damage. However, some common signs include:

A grinding or humming noise that increases in pitch as the vehicle speeds up

Vibration in the steering wheel or floorboard

Loose or wobbly wheel

Uneven tire wear

Reduced fuel efficiency

Causes of Ford Explorer Wheel Bearing Failure

Ford Explorer wheel bearings can fail due to a variety of factors, including:

Excessive wear and tear

Impact damage (e.g., from hitting a pothole)

Corrosion

Improper installation

Defective parts

How to Replace a Ford Explorer Wheel Bearing

Replacing a Ford Explorer wheel bearing is a complex task that requires specialized tools and expertise. It is not recommended for the average DIYer. However, if you are confident in your mechanical abilities, you can follow these steps:

Gather the necessary tools and parts.

Safely raise the vehicle and support it on jack stands.

Remove the wheel and tire.

Remove the brake caliper and rotor.

Unbolt the wheel bearing assembly.

Press the old wheel bearing out of the hub.

Press the new wheel bearing into the hub.

Reassemble the components in reverse order.

Cost of Ford Explorer Wheel Bearing Replacement

The cost of Ford Explorer wheel bearing replacement varies depending on the severity of the damage, the type of replacement part used, and the labor costs charged by the mechanic. However, as a general rule of thumb, you can expect to pay between $300 and $600 for a single wheel bearing replacement.

Success Stories

"I had a Ford Explorer wheel bearing go bad on my 2010 model. I was able to replace it myself using the instructions I found online. It took me about 3 hours, and the total cost was around $200." - John, from San Diego, CA

"My 2015 Ford Explorer started making a grinding noise when I turned the wheel. I took it to my mechanic, and he said I needed to replace both front wheel bearings. The total cost was around $600, but it was worth it because the noise is gone and my car is driving much better." - Mary, from Boston, MA

"I had a Ford Explorer wheel bearing fail on my 2005 model. I was driving down the highway when I heard a loud bang and then my car started shaking violently. I pulled over and called a tow truck. The mechanic said that the wheel bearing had failed and that I was lucky to have avoided an accident." - Bob, from Chicago, IL

Conclusion

A malfunctioning Ford Explorer wheel bearing can lead to a variety of serious problems. It is important to be aware of the symptoms of a bad wheel bearing and to have it replaced as soon as possible. By following the tips and advice in this article, you can help extend the life of your Ford Explorer wheel bearings and keep your car running safely and smoothly.

Tables

Table 1: Symptoms of a Bad Ford Explorer Wheel Bearing

Symptom	Description
Grinding or humming noise	A grinding or humming noise that increases in pitch as the vehicle speeds up
Vibration in the steering wheel or floorboard	Vibration in the steering wheel or floorboard
Loose or wobbly wheel	A loose or wobbly wheel
Uneven tire wear	Uneven tire wear
Reduced fuel efficiency	Reduced fuel efficiency

Table 2: Causes of Ford Explorer Wheel Bearing Failure

Cause	Description
Excessive wear and tear	Normal wear and tear can eventually lead to wheel bearing failure
Impact damage	Impact damage (e.g., from hitting a pothole) can cause the wheel bearing to fail
Corrosion	Corrosion can damage the wheel bearing
Improper installation	Improper installation can lead to premature wheel bearing failure
Defective parts	Defective parts can cause the wheel bearing to fail

Ford Explorer Wheel Bearing: The Ultimate Guide to Troubleshooting, Maintenance, and Replacement