Buy Ford Taurus X Wheel Bearing and Hub Assemblys

Ford sold the Taurus X for model years 2008-2009 as the updated version of the Freestyle on the D3 platform. If you have a 2008 or 2009 Taurus X (front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive), you'll be shopping for this style of hub assembly. (The Taurus sedan and Mercury Sable of the same years are closely related.) For model background, see Ford's fifth-gen Taurus overview on Wikipedia. (Wikipedia)

A healthy hub/bearing keeps the wheel straight, quiet, and safe. When bearings wear out, they can hum, grind, shake the steering, trigger an ABS light, or in extreme cases let the wheel wobble. Replacing a worn unit protects tires, brakes, and suspension and helps the car track straight. For a clear, plain-English guide to symptoms, see Kelley Blue Book's explainer.

• Humming or growling noise that gets louder with speed and may change when you steer slightly.
• Grinding or rumbling you can feel in the floor or steering wheel.
• ABS or traction light (if the hub's encoder or sensor isn't reading).
• Uneven tire wear or a wheel that feels loose when lifted.
  See KBB's symptoms guide above for details.

Most modern hub units include an integrated magnetic encoder ring that the wheel-speed sensor reads for ABS and stability control. If the encoder is damaged or the wrong type is installed, you can get an ABS warning and lose anti-lock function until it's fixed. Bearing makers like SKF and Timken explain how these integrated "Gen-3" hubs work and why sensor alignment matters. (SKF, The Timken Company)

If your ABS light comes on after a hub swap, braking still works, but anti-lock function may be disabled. Drive with extra care and have it checked right away. A past NHTSA safety notice on defective front hub units warned that an illuminated ABS light can mean ABS isn't active until repaired-good context for the risk. Read NHTSA's guidance and report issues via NHTSA's site. (NHTSA, NHTSA)

Your Taurus X uses a 5×114.3 mm (5×4.5") wheel bolt pattern with 1/2-20 studs. When reinstalling the wheel, tighten the lug nuts to 100 lb-ft (135 N·m) in a star pattern. You can confirm these specs in the 2008 Ford Owner's Guide (same platform family) and on Wheel-Size.com. You can also access manuals from Ford's official owner support. (Dealer eProcess, Wheel Size, Ford Motor Company)

• The hub assembly is a bolt-on unit that fastens to the steering knuckle (front) or rear spindle. Many Gen-3 hubs are designed for straightforward removal/installation.
• Keep mounting surfaces clean and flat; rust or burrs can prevent the hub from seating squarely and cause noise or premature wear.
• Always torque fasteners to spec (use a service manual or data service for model-specific bolt torques) and route any ABS sensor leads away from moving parts.
  For how modern bolt-on hub units are designed, see Timken's Gen-3 hub overview above. (The Timken Company)

Taurus X models came in FWD and AWD. Rear hub assemblies can differ by drivetrain because AWD hubs must allow the rear axle shaft to pass through and interface correctly with ABS sensing. Always match by year, drivetrain, and VIN to avoid fit or ABS issues; bearing makers highlight driven vs. non-driven hub differences in their technical pages. (The Timken Company)

• Fix bearing noises early to protect tires and brakes.
• After any wheel/hub work, re-torque wheel nuts after ~100 miles.
• Keep tires balanced and aligned; impacts from potholes can shorten hub life.
  The re-torque reminder and torque value are in Ford's Owner's Guide linked above. (Dealer eProcess)

• Model overview: Ford Taurus (5th gen) including Taurus X
• Wheel specs reference: Wheel-Size Taurus X 2008-2009
• Symptoms & checks: Kelley Blue Book - Wheel Bearing Symptoms
• ABS encoder basics: SKF - Magnetic Encoders
• Hub unit design: Timken - Generation 3 Hub Assemblies
• Manual access: Ford Owner Manuals - 2008 Taurus X and direct 2008 torque page in the Owner's Guide PDF (see "Wheel lug nut torque"). (Wikipedia, Wheel Size, Kbb.com, SKF, The Timken Company, Ford Motor Company, Dealer eProcess)

People also search for: wheel hub, wheel bearing, hub and bearing, hub unit, wheel hub assembly, axle hub, hub bearing, front hub, rear hub. These all point to the same general part type used on the Taurus X.

Q: What years of the Ford Taurus X use this hub assembly?
A: 2008-2009 model years. The Taurus X is the updated Freestyle and shares much with the fifth-gen Taurus/Sable family. (Wikipedia)

Q: Is "wheel hub" the same as "wheel bearing"?
A: In this vehicle, yes. It's a sealed hub assembly with the bearing, flange, and wheel studs in one unit. (The Timken Company)

Q: What are the most common signs my hub is bad?
A: A steady hum or growl that gets louder with speed, noise change when you turn slightly, vibration, and sometimes an ABS light. (Kbb.com)

Q: Can I keep driving with a noisy hub?
A: It's risky. Noise often means wear that can get worse fast. If the ABS light is on, anti-lock braking may be disabled until fixed-use extra caution and get service soon. (NHTSA)

Q: Do I need an alignment after hub replacement?
A: Often no if you only change the hub and don't loosen alignment bolts. But if the steering wheel is off-center, the car pulls, or tires wear oddly, schedule an alignment.

Q: Are front and rear hubs the same?
A: No. Front and rear hubs are different. Rear hubs can also differ by FWD vs AWD because AWD hubs must accept a rear axle shaft and match the ABS setup. Match by drivetrain and VIN. (The Timken Company)

Q: Does the hub include the ABS sensor?
A: The hub typically includes a magnetic encoder ring. The sensor itself may be separate and bolts near the hub; make sure your new hub is the correct encoder type for your ABS. (SKF)

Q: What wheel bolt pattern does the Taurus X use?
A: 5×114.3 mm (5×4.5") with 1/2-20 studs. (Wheel Size, Dealer eProcess)

Q: What is the wheel lug nut torque?
A: 100 lb-ft (135 N·m). Re-check torque after about 100 miles of driving.

Q: Why does the noise get louder when I turn one way?
A: Turning shifts weight to one side. A worn bearing will often get louder when the opposite side is loaded (for example, turning right may load the left bearing and make it louder). (Kbb.com)

Q: Should I replace hubs in pairs?
A: It isn't required, but many owners do both fronts or both rears if mileage is high, because the other side can be close to failure.

Q: Any tips to make installation go smoother?
A: Clean rust from the knuckle face, use penetrating oil on old bolts, seat the new hub fully flush, route the ABS lead correctly, and torque all fasteners to spec (use a service manual for bolt torques).

Q: Will a failing hub hurt other parts?
A: Yes. Extra play can wear tires, brake pads/rotors, and suspension parts. Fixing it early saves money.

Q: What else should I check while I'm there?
A: Inspect CV axle boots, brake rotors and pads, tie-rod ends, and struts; any looseness or torn boots should be addressed.

Q: Where can I read more or get official info?
A: Start with the Ford Owner's Manual/Guides and KBB's wheel bearing symptoms. To report a safety issue, visit NHTSA. (Ford Motor Company, Kbb.com, NHTSA)

Q: Do wheel hubs affect fuel economy?
A: Indirectly. A rough or dragging bearing adds friction, which can lower mpg and heat up parts. Fixing it helps the car roll freely.

Q: Can the ABS light mean something besides the hub?
A: Yes. A damaged wheel-speed sensor, broken wire, or debris at the encoder can also set the light. A scan tool can show which wheel has the fault. Bearing makers note how debris or wrong encoder types can confuse sensors. (NSK Global)

If you'd like, I can tailor this page with trim-level notes (Limited/SEL), front vs rear buying tips, or add a quick install checklist you can print for your team.