Time: approx 1 hr

Difficulty: moderate

Cost: $80-300 (brand)

SYMPTOMS

The most common symptom of a bad wheel bearing is wheel-location specific noise that changes with vehicle speed. If the bad bearing is in the front, you may only get the noise with turning loads. If un-repaired, the noise will progress, heat will increase, and failure will occur. Failure can mean anything from wheel separation, seizing, or fire.

REPAIR

On the F150, the front wheel bearings are built into a sealed hub with the speed sensor, lug studs, and flange replaced together as a unit. No grease or routine maintenance is necessary, but if the bearing fails, the entire hub is replaced.

Watch the video below to see how the front left wheel bearing was replaced on a 2016 Ford F150 pickup with 4WD.