2004 Ford Explorer Wheel Bearing: The Ultimate Guide

The 2004 Ford Explorer is a popular SUV that has been on the market for over 15 years. Over time, its wheel bearings may wear out and need to be replaced. This article will provide you with all the information you need to know about 2004 Ford Explorer wheel bearings, including how to identify a bad wheel bearing, how to replace a wheel bearing, and the cost of replacing a wheel bearing.

Common Signs of a Bad Wheel Bearing:

Noise: A bad wheel bearing will often make a loud grinding or growling noise. The noise may be worse when you are turning or driving over bumps.

Vibration: A bad wheel bearing can cause your vehicle to vibrate. The vibration may be felt in the steering wheel, seat, or floorboard.

Loose wheel: A bad wheel bearing can cause your wheel to feel loose or wobbly. This can be dangerous, as it can lead to a loss of control of your vehicle.

Common Signs of a Bad Wheel Bearing	How to Identify a Bad Wheel Bearing
Noise: A bad wheel bearing will often make a loud grinding or growling noise.	Listen for a loud grinding or growling noise when driving, especially when turning or driving over bumps.
Vibration: A bad wheel bearing can cause your vehicle to vibrate.	Feel for vibrations in the steering wheel, seat, or floorboard.
Loose wheel: A bad wheel bearing can cause your wheel to feel loose or wobbly.	Check for any looseness or wobbling in your wheels.

Benefits of Replacing a Wheel Bearing:

Improved safety: A bad wheel bearing can be dangerous, as it can lead to a loss of control of your vehicle. Replacing a bad wheel bearing will help to ensure your safety and the safety of your passengers.

Reduced noise: A bad wheel bearing will often make a loud grinding or growling noise. Replacing a bad wheel bearing will help to reduce noise and make your ride more comfortable.

Increased fuel efficiency: A bad wheel bearing can cause your vehicle to vibrate. This vibration can increase fuel consumption. Replacing a bad wheel bearing will help to reduce vibration and improve fuel efficiency.

Benefits of Replacing a Wheel Bearing	How to Replace a Wheel Bearing
Improved safety: A bad wheel bearing can be dangerous, as it can lead to a loss of control of your vehicle.	Replacing a bad wheel bearing will help to ensure your safety and the safety of your passengers.
Reduced noise: A bad wheel bearing will often make a loud grinding or growling noise.	Replacing a bad wheel bearing will help to reduce noise and make your ride more comfortable.
Increased fuel efficiency: A bad wheel bearing can cause your vehicle to vibrate. This vibration can increase fuel consumption.	Replacing a bad wheel bearing will help to reduce vibration and improve fuel efficiency.

How to Replace a Wheel Bearing:

Replacing a wheel bearing is a relatively simple task that can be completed in a few hours. However, it is important to note that this task requires some mechanical knowledge and experience. If you are not comfortable working on your own vehicle, it is best to have a mechanic replace the wheel bearing for you.

Steps to Replace a Wheel Bearing	Tools and Materials You Will Need
1. Remove the wheel.	Lug wrench
2. Remove the brake caliper.	Socket wrench
3. Remove the rotor.	Hammer
4. Remove the wheel bearing.	Bearing puller
5. Install the new wheel bearing.	Bearing press
6. Reinstall the rotor.	Hammer
7. Reinstall the brake caliper.	Socket wrench
8. Reinstall the wheel.	Lug wrench

Cost of Replacing a Wheel Bearing:

The cost of replacing a wheel bearing will vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle, as well as the location of the wheel bearing. However, you can expect to pay between $100 and $300 for parts and labor.

Estimated Cost of Replacing a Wheel Bearing	Factors That Affect the Cost of Replacing a Wheel Bearing
Parts: $50-$150	Make and model of your vehicle
Labor: $50-$150	Location of the wheel bearing
Total: $100-$300	Hourly labor rate of your mechanic

FAQs About 2004 Ford Explorer Wheel Bearings

Q: How often should I replace my wheel bearings?

A: The average lifespan of a wheel bearing is 50,000 to 100,000 miles. However, this can vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle, as well as your driving habits.

Q: What are the signs of a bad wheel bearing?

A: The common signs of a bad wheel bearing include noise, vibration, and a loose wheel.

Q: How much does it cost to replace a wheel bearing?

A: The cost of replacing a wheel bearing will vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle, as well as the location of the wheel bearing. However, you can expect to pay between $100 and $300 for parts and labor.

2004 Ford Explorer Wheel Bearing: The Ultimate Guide