Posted: 7/23/2009 12:17:05 PM EDT
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Hello all,
I have an 03 Ford Ranger and just had my inspection done. When the mechanic got into my truck to drive it into the garage I informed him of a weid knocking sound I have been hearing coming from the front end while driving. This noise is very noticeable at slow speeds, especially after a quick high speed run. ( Highway ) When the mechanic returned, he informed me that he couldn't find anything wrong, except for both front end wheel bearings. He took me into the garage and showed me by putting the truck on the lift, and raising all four wheels off of the ground. Then he proceeded to shake the wheel back and forth so that I could hear a knocking noise and asked me if this is what the noise I had been hearing. ( Sounded pretty damn close ) So, it looks like I need new front end wheel bearings. Now with me never having to ever replace a wheel bearing before, is this something that is going to be a real pain in the ass on my 03 2WD Ford Ranger? I am mechanically inclined, and have plenty of tools, just not sure what I'm getting myself into. What are your thoughts? Is this an easy job? |
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Sounds like a kosher diagnosis...
I've only done trailer bearings, so take this for what it's worth. Let the mechanic do it unless you are cash strapped. The most difficult part is changing the cups (the part that the bearings ride on) in the hubs. They have to be pressed out, or tapped out. It may take you some time with your first. A firm surface and a thick punch will work. Tap evenly to on opposite sides to get them out squarely. The risk is that you might have stuck cups. A mechanic will be abile to escalate and deal with the problem, you may not be... |
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Full disclosure: I've never personally done it on a Ford Ranger. That said, I've replaced wheel bearings in all kinds of domestic vehicles (Fords included!) and it's not hard at all if you're even somewhat mechanically inclined. Pick up a service manual (honestly - spend the money for the factory service manual if you're going to be doing this sort of thing regularly), and follow along. It's not hard.  |
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Quoted:
Sounds like a kosher diagnosis... I've only done trailer bearings, so take this for what it's worth. Let the mechanic do it unless you are cash strapped. The most difficult part is changing the cups (the part that the bearins ride on) in the hubs. They have to be pressed out, or tapped out. It may take you some time with your first. A firm surface and a thick punch will work. Tap evenly to on opposite sides to get them out squarely. The risk is that you might have stuck cups. A mechanic will be abile to escalate and deal with the problem, you may not be... Well it was just my inspection, and he couldn't really get too involved with it, but he did go over the front end quickly, and stated that everything seemed fine. He told me that he couldn't guarrantee that was the problem, but after hearing the noise he showed me, it sure sounded like that could be the problem. So do wheel bearings whine and hum when they go bad, or do they knock like mine did.? |
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Not disagreeing with your mechanic but...
Wheel bearings tend to make a roaring sound that increases with vehicle speed. Worn ball joints make the knocking noise you described when the vehicle is elevated and the wheels are moved. I have an '03 Ford F150 that has worn ball joints and it will make a knocking noise when the truck is on the lift and you shake the front wheels. YMMV |
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Quoted: Full disclosure: I've never personally done it on a Ford Ranger. That said, I've replaced wheel bearings in all kinds of domestic vehicles (Fords included!) and it's not hard at all if you're even somewhat mechanically inclined. Pick up a service manual (honestly - spend the money for the factory service manual if you're going to be doing this sort of thing regularly), and follow along. It's not hard. It's ford, of course he will be  |
| I usually heard a gravely hum. Wheel bearings are cheap enough and it won't hurt to replace them if they're good. Go to Auto Zone and get a repair manual. It doesn't take many tools. While your there you might as well pick up some front brake pads and throw them on. You will have to pull them take the rotor off. |
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Quoted:
Not disagreeing with your mechanic but... Wheel bearings tend to make a roaring sound that increases with vehicle speed. Worn ball joints make the knocking noise you described when the vehicle is elevated and the wheels are moved. I have an '03 Ford F150 that has worn ball joints and it will make a knocking noise when the truck is on the lift and you shake the front wheels. YMMV Test this yourself without the mechanic around..... Jack up one front wheel. Grab the wheel at 12:00 and 6:00 and wiggle each hold in towards the engine and out away from the truck, each hand at the same time in opposite directions. Then grab at 3:00 and 9:00 and do the same. if there is play at all 4 evenly then it's wheel bearings, if only 3:00 & 9:00 then it's tie rod ends (steering) and if only 12:00 and 6:00 then ball joints.... ETA: as posted earlier, 2WD is really easy except for removing the bearing race (called "cups" by DriftPunch) |
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Quoted: Quoted: Full disclosure: I've never personally done it on a Ford Ranger. That said, I've replaced wheel bearings in all kinds of domestic vehicles (Fords included!) and it's not hard at all if you're even somewhat mechanically inclined. Pick up a service manual (honestly - spend the money for the factory service manual if you're going to be doing this sort of thing regularly), and follow along. It's not hard. It's ford, of course he will be I've had excellent luck with every Ford I've owned. YMMV (and it usually does). |
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Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Full disclosure: I've never personally done it on a Ford Ranger. That said, I've replaced wheel bearings in all kinds of domestic vehicles (Fords included!) and it's not hard at all if you're even somewhat mechanically inclined. Pick up a service manual (honestly - spend the money for the factory service manual if you're going to be doing this sort of thing regularly), and follow along. It's not hard. It's ford, of course he will be
I've had excellent luck with every Ford I've owned. YMMV (and it usually does).
I have an 02. Its the usual standard wheel bearing repack. easy as it gets, don't forget to pick up 2 new seals also. oh yea, at 150,000 a heater core valve, water pump, and routine mtx. sounds pretty good to me. but maybe i'm just lucky 
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