How do I know if my F150 rear wheel bearings are bad?

Yes. Common signs include a loud rumble or grinding from the rear, play in the wheel, or warning lights from the ABS/traction system. If you notice any of these, have the rear wheel bearings inspected promptly to avoid further damage or a potential wheel failure.

On the Ford F-150, rear wheel bearings are typically integrated into sealed hub assemblies and work with wheel-speed sensors as part of the ABS system. Wear can result from harsh driving, exposure to water or dirt, or degraded lubrication. This guide explains the most frequent symptoms, safe at-home checks, and options if a bearing needs replacement.

Common signs of a failing rear wheel bearing

These are the most reliable indicators that the rear wheel bearing may be wearing out or failing.

• Rumbling, grinding, or humming noise coming from the rear that changes with speed or when turning.


• Excessive wheel play or looseness felt when you rock the wheel with the vehicle lifted.


• Vibration or a “wobble” at highway speeds or during turns.


• ABS or traction control warning lights or fault codes related to wheel speed sensors.


• Visual signs such as heat at the hub or grease/seal leakage around the hub area or brake rotor.

If you notice any of these signs, schedule inspection soon. Driving with a failing bearing can lead to hub or brake damage and, in extreme cases, wheel separation.

How to check safely at home

These at-home checks help gauge whether the symptom could be a wheel bearing issue, while keeping you safe and avoiding unnecessary work.

• Prepare the vehicle: park on a level surface, apply the parking brake, and place wheel chocks. If you have access to jack stands, lift the rear wheel you’re inspecting and support the vehicle securely.


• Check wheel play: with the wheel off the ground, grasp the top and bottom of the tire and rock gently. Any noticeable lateral movement or roughness can indicate bearing wear.


• Spin test and listening: rotate the hub by hand and listen for grinding, roughness, or humming. A healthy bearing should spin smoothly and quietly.


• Heat and leaks check: after a short road test, inspect the hub area for unusual heat and look for grease leakage around the hub seal or brake rotor.


• Electronic indicators: monitor for any ABS or traction warning lights; codes pointing to wheel-speed sensor or hub faults can signal a worn bearing.


• Road-test replication: take a short drive and note whether noise or vibration changes with speed, load, or when turning, which are common signs of bearing wear.

These checks help determine if a professional inspection is warranted. Do not ignore persistent symptoms or drive long distances with a suspected bad bearing.

What to expect if replacement is needed

When a rear wheel bearing issue is confirmed, Ford F-150 repairs typically involve replacing the hub assembly, which integrates the bearing and the wheel-speed sensor. Costs vary by model year and whether you replace one side or both.

DIY vs. professional repair

Many owners prefer professional repair because hub/bearing replacement often requires specific tools, accurate torque, and sometimes a press. A DIY approach is possible for those with the right equipment and experience, but incorrect installation can create safety risks.

• Typical components: rear hub assembly (bearing integrated into the hub) with wheel-speed sensor.


• Estimated costs: parts are typically a few hundred dollars per hub; labor varies by year and whether both sides are done at once.


• Time: in a shop, this is commonly 1–2 hours per side; DIY may take longer depending on tools and rust.

Professional service is recommended if you’re unsure or the signs persist after basic checks; continuing to drive with a failing hub can cause more extensive damage or a dangerous failure.

When to seek professional help

If you’re unsure, or the symptoms persist after basic checks, schedule an appointment with a certified mechanic or Ford dealer. They can perform a precise diagnosis, using a scan tool and, if needed, a physical assessment of end play and hub integrity with a stethoscope.

Summary

Bad rear wheel bearings on an F-150 typically present as a rear-end rumble or grind, wheel play, speed-related vibrations, and ABS/traction warning indicators. At-home checks can help gauge severity, but a professional inspection is essential for a safe, reliable repair. Replacing the hub assembly is the common remedy, with cost and timeline varying by model year and whether one or both sides are affected. Prioritize safety and address suspected bearing issues promptly to prevent further damage.

How do I know if my F150 wheel bearings are bad?

Steering Wheel Vibration
Bad wheel bearings can cause the steering wheel to vibrate, and those vibrations might also be felt in the seats and floorboards. The intensity increases as the vehicle speed increases and the vehicle turns to the left or right.

How to tell if rear differential bearings are bad?

You can tell if rear differential bearings are bad by listening for unusual noises like whining, grinding, or howling, and feeling for vibrations or difficulty steering. Other signs include leaking oil, excessive tire wear, or overheating. A rumbling sound often points to a worn carrier bearing, while a whine during acceleration or deceleration can indicate a problem with the pinion bearing.
 
This video explains common symptoms of a bad differential and how to diagnose it: 1mVehicle FreakYouTube · Jan 19, 2024
Auditory symptoms

• Whining or whirring: A constant or intermittent whining, often heard at speeds above 20 mph, can indicate worn bearings. 
• Howling or rumbling: A howling or rumbling sound, especially at highway speeds, can point to worn carrier or pinion bearings. 
• Grinding: A grinding noise could be a sign of failing gears or bearings. 
• Clicking or clunking: This may occur during turns or sudden speed changes and can signal worn-out or damaged components. 

Other physical symptoms

• Vibrations: A noticeable vibration, especially when accelerating, can be caused by worn-out components. 
• Steering difficulties: The vehicle may pull to one side, or steering may feel sluggish, particularly during corners. 
• Oil leaks: A leaking differential is a sign of a seal failure, which can lead to insufficient lubrication and overheating. 
• Excessive tire wear: Worn-out differentials can cause uneven or excessive wear on the tires. 
• Overheating: A differential that consistently overheats during high-speed driving or heavy loads may indicate internal problems. 

This video demonstrates how to inspect a differential for signs of failure: 1mAuto Repair GuysYouTube · Sep 1, 2021

What are the symptoms of a bad rear wheel bearing?

Symptoms of a bad rear wheel bearing include a humming, grinding, or growling noise that gets louder with speed, a wobbly or loose wheel, and vibrations that can be felt in the steering wheel or seat. Other signs include uneven tire wear, the ABS light coming on, a vehicle pulling to one side, and a loose or unresponsive steering feel.
 
Common symptoms

• Noise: A persistent humming, grinding, or growling noise that increases with vehicle speed is the most common symptom. The sound may also get louder or change when turning. Clicking or popping sounds, especially during turns, can also occur. 
• Vibrations: You may feel vibrations or shaking, which can be transmitted through the steering wheel or the floor of the car. 
• Wheel looseness: The wheel may feel loose or wobbly. You can often check this by jacking up the car and trying to rock the wheel back and forth. 
• Uneven tire wear: A failing bearing can cause uneven wear on the tire that is affected. 

Other indicators

• Steering and handling: You might notice the car pulls to one side or that steering feels unresponsive or "sloppy". 
• ABS light: The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) light may illuminate on your dashboard, as the sensor is often part of the wheel hub assembly and can be affected by a bad bearing. 
• Overheating: The wheel may feel excessively hot to the touch, indicating excessive friction from the bad bearing. 
• Brake issues: In some cases, loose bearings can affect braking performance, leading to a "spongy" feel or other issues. 

What happens when the iwe fails in F150?

The IWEs in your Ford F150 play a critical role in enabling transitions between two-wheel and four-wheel drive. Failure of these components can lead to various issues affecting vehicle performance and safety.