OEM 2003 Ford E-250 Wheel Bearing

2003 Ford E-250 Wheel Bearing Parts Q&A

• Q: How to service and repair the front wheel bearing and hub on 2003 Ford E-250?

  A: The service process for E-150 through E-450 front wheel bearings along with hubs requires vehicle lifting and support while removing tire-wheel assemblies. Professional care is needed to avoid heating the wheel nuts when they become stuck because heating poses risks of wheel and bearing damage. Begin with caliper removal and subsequent removal of the anchor plate before moving onto the hub grease cap together with the cotter pin and retainer nut. The service begins by taking out the spindle nut and the front wheel outer bearing retainer washer plus the outer front wheel bearing. Separate the brake disc from the hub before removing the inner front wheel bearing and discard the wheel hub grease seal. A drift tool should be used to extract bearing cups without employing compressed air during the bearing dry-spinning operation. Apply solvent to clean the bearings while looking for damage which requires replacement of defective units. Clean the old lubricating material from the hub alongside spindle while bearing cups then inspect them for both scratches and cracks and perform repairs or replace the spindle when needed. The installation process requires usage of a proper bearing cup replacer to fit both outside and inside wheel bearing cups as you apply Premium Long-Life Grease XG-1-C or -K, or an equivalent that meets Ford specification ESA-M1C75-B until they completely fill the bearing cup area inside diameters. Apply wheel bearing grease within the bearing cone and roller before you install the internal front wheel bearing together with a fresh wheel hub grease seal. A small amount of grease should be applied to the front wheel spindle while maintaining the brake disc in the center to protect the grease seal. First install the brake disc together with the hub onto the spindle while adding the outer front wheel bearing followed by the retainer washer. The process involves turning the brake disc as you tighten the spindle nut until the front wheel bearing achieves proper end play. After that, loosen the spindle nut two turns before re-tightening as you continue turning it clockwise. The spindle nut requires additional two turns of torque before you install the retainer nut and new cotter pin while placing the hub grease cap. The front disc brake caliper anchor plate should be reinstalled when the air suspension activates through switching on the air suspension control unit before assembling the tire and wheel system.