Parts for your 1997 Ford Falcon-Wheel hubs

1997 Ford Falcon (EL) Wheel Hubs

Referencing the Ford EL Falcon Workshop Manual, the Ford Microcat parts catalogue, and Gregory’s Ford Falcon EF–EL 1994–1998 Service and Repair Manual, the 1997 Ford Falcon (EL series) is fitted with conventional front wheel hubs that house serviceable tapered roller bearings. On most 1997 Falcons with a live rear axle, there isn’t a separate bolt-on rear hub, the wheel mounts to the axle flange and the bearing is pressed onto the axle. Certain IRS-equipped variants use a rear hub and sealed bearing unit. So wheel hubs are absolutely relevant on this model, especially at the front.

The front hub’s job is simple but critical: it keeps the wheel centred and spinning smoothly on the stub axle, supports the car’s weight through the bearings, locates the brake rotor, and holds the wheel studs. On ABS-equipped trims, the hub area may also carry the tone ring the sensor reads. When the hub and bearings are healthy, the Falcon tracks straight, brakes cleanly, and tyres wear evenly.

Because the EL uses serviceable front bearings, good servicing goes a long way. During routine maintenance or any brake job, the hub should be removed, the bearings cleaned, inspected, and repacked with a quality high-temperature wheel-bearing grease. Races should be checked for pitting or scoring, the grease seal renewed, and the castellated nut adjusted to the factory method to set correct preload, then secured with a new split pin. The hub itself is usually reused unless the wheel stud seats or rotor-mating face are damaged, or there’s corrosion or run-out that won’t clean up.

For the common live-axle rear end, the “hub” function is part of the axle assembly, if there’s noise or play from the rear, it’s typically an axle bearing and seal job requiring a press and new retainer. After axle removal, diff oil should be topped up or replaced as required.

• Signs it’s time for attention: a humming that rises with road speed, rumble while cornering, heat at the hub after a drive, noticeable wheel play at 12 and 6 o’clock, ABS light faults (if fitted), or grease weeping past the seal.
• Best-practice tips: keep brake cleaner and grit away from fresh grease, always use new seals and split pins, torque wheel nuts to factory spec, and recheck bearing adjustment after a short shakedown.

Popular questions about 1997 Ford Falcon wheel hubs

Does a 1997 Ford Falcon have replaceable wheel hubs or just bearings?
On the EL Falcon, the front uses a hub with serviceable tapered roller bearings, the hub itself is only replaced if damaged. Most 1997 sedans and utes with a live rear axle don’t use a separate bolt-on rear hub—there the bearing is pressed onto the axle. Some IRS-equipped variants use a sealed rear hub/bearing unit.

How can someone tell if a Falcon hub or bearing is worn?
Common giveaways include a speed-related hum or growl, extra noise when turning, looseness when the wheel is rocked at 12 and 6 o’clock, heat at the hub after a drive, uneven tyre wear, or ABS faults on applicable models. Any of these signs mean it’s time to inspect the hub, bearings, races, and seals.

How often should the front hubs and bearings be serviced?
For EL Falcons with serviceable front bearings, inspection and repack are smart at each brake service or roughly every 20,000–40,000 kilometres, and sooner if the car tows, sees rough roads, or shows noise or play. Follow the workshop manual procedure for cleaning, packing, seal replacement, and bearing preload.