Buy Ford F-150 Wheel Bearing and Race Sets

Below is an in-depth, easy-to-read guide about the Ford F-150 wheel bearing & race set-sometimes called a wheel-hub bearing, axle bearing, or roller bearing assembly.

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Overview

The wheel bearing and race set lets your truck's wheel turn smoothly while holding the wheel tight to the axle. Inside the hub are two hardened rings-called inner and outer races-that form a track for tapered rollers. Together they carry the truck's weight and absorb bumps without metal-on-metal scraping. (forums.pelicanparts.com)

Most late-model 4×4 F-150s use a sealed hub assembly up front, but earlier 2WD trucks and many rear axles still rely on rebuildable bearings with separate races. Either way, the job of the bearing is the same: cut friction so the tire can spin cleanly and keep the wheel centered. (ford-trucks.com)

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How It Works

When the wheel turns, tapered rollers glide around the races. A film of high-temperature grease fills the tiny space between metal parts, stopping wear and rust. On older F-150s you can remove the hub, clean the parts, press in new races, and pack fresh grease into the rollers. Newer sealed hubs come pre-greased at the factory and are swapped as a single unit when they fail. (youtube.com, timken.com)

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Common Symptoms

• Humming or growling that grows with speed-often louder on turns when the bad side carries more weight. (f150forum.com)
• Loose or wandering steering because the hub has extra play. (fordf150.net)
• ABS or traction-control light-many bearings have a built-in wheel-speed sensor.
• Uneven tire wear or hot hub after a drive.

Ignoring these signs can let the bearing lock up, which may cause a wheel to skid or even separate from the axle-so don't wait.

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Compatibility & Fit

A bearing set (cone plus race) must match:

• Generation & drivetrain (2WD vs. 4×4, 8th-gen 2004-2008 vs. 14th-gen 2021-2025, etc.).
• Axle size-common F-150 rear axles measure 8.8 in. or 9.75 in. ring gear.
• Trim level towing package-the 9.75-in. heavy-duty axle uses larger hub bolts. (static.nhtsa.gov)

Always double-check the VIN or axle tag before ordering parts.

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Torque & Specs

← scroll table horizontally →

*Always confirm with your exact year's service manual or the SKF Torque Guide.

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Maintenance & Care

• Repack greaseable bearings every 30,000 miles or at brake-pad changes. (timken.com)
• Use NLGI-2 high-temp wheel-bearing grease and a bearing packer to push old air out.
• Clean races with brake cleaner; replace any race that shows pitting, scoring, or bluing.
• Torque lug nuts evenly to prevent side-loading the hub.
• Replace bearings in pairs on the same axle so both sides wear evenly.

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DIY Replacement

1. Lift & secure truck. Follow jacking points in the Ford owner's manual. (fordservicecontent.com)
2. Remove caliper & rotor. Hang caliper with wire-never by the hose.
3. Take off dust cap, cotter pin, and nut. Keep track of washers.
4. Slide hub off spindle. Catch the outer bearing as it comes free.
5. Drive out old races with a brass punch. Clean hub thoroughly.
6. Press new races until fully seated.
7. Pack bearings with fresh grease (see this how-to video).
8. Install inner bearing & new seal, then hub, outer bearing, washer, and nut.
9. Set preload by tightening, spinning, and backing off per spec (see table above).
10. Reassemble brakes, torque axle nut & lug nuts, test-drive, and recheck for play.

A sealed hub assembly simplifies steps 4-9-you unbolt the old unit and bolt on the new one. A full walkthrough video for 2020 models is available here.

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Safety & Recalls

Ford issued Recall 23S65 for 2021-2023 F-150s with 9.75-in. heavy-duty axles because rear axle-hub bolts can loosen or break, leading to loss of torque transfer. Owners should check their VIN at the NHTSA recall portal and schedule repairs when parts become available. (static.nhtsa.gov, nhtsa.gov)

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Materials & Upgrades

High-carbon bearing steel is induction-hardened for strength, while some performance kits add polyamide cages for better heat resistance. Synthetic greases can extend service life and help fight rust in salty or wet climates. (f150ecoboost.net)

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Environmental Impact

Old bearings are almost 100 % recyclable steel. Most auto-parts stores accept used hubs for scrap, keeping metal out of landfills and saving energy needed to mine new ore.

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Q: What mileage do F-150 wheel bearings usually last?
A: In everyday driving they often go 100,000 miles or more, but heavy towing, big wheels, or deep-water crossings can cut that in half.

Q: Is it safe to drive with a noisy bearing?
A: Short trips to the shop are doable, but extended driving is risky-heat can weld the rollers to the race and lock the wheel. (f150forum.com)

Q: Which grease should I use?
A: Pick an NLGI-2, GC-LB rated high-temperature wheel-bearing grease; synthetic blends resist breakdown better in trailers or off-road use. (timken.com)

Q: Do I need special tools?
A: Yes-a torque wrench, bearing-race driver or press, dial indicator (for endplay), and a seal puller make the job smoother. (ford-trucks.com)

Q: Can bad bearings trigger ABS or 4×4 warnings?
A: Absolutely. Many sealed hubs carry a wheel-speed sensor; extra play or contamination can upset the signal. (f150gen14.com)

Q: How tight should I make the axle nut?
A: Follow the spec for your year. For many 2015-2020 trucks it's 30 lb-ft initial, back off, then about 250 lb-ft final torque. (f150forum.com)

Q: Why replace both sides together?
A: Bearings on the same axle age at the same rate; swapping both keeps ride quality and brake pull even. (youtube.com)

Q: What's a race?
A: It's the smooth, hardened ring that the rollers ride against-think of it as the track in a tiny steel roller-coaster. Replacing worn races is just as vital as the rollers themselves. (forums.pelicanparts.com)

By understanding how the wheel bearing and race set works, spotting trouble early, and following the right torque and grease steps, you'll keep your Ford F-150 riding quiet, safe, and steady for thousands of miles to come.