Parts for your 1998 Ford Falcon-Wheel hubs

1998 Ford Falcon wheel hubs

Technical sources confirm that wheel hubs are relevant on 1998 Ford Falcons. The Ford Falcon EL Series Workshop Manual (1996–1998, Ford Australia) details a conventional front hub using adjustable tapered roller bearings, with the rear live axle securing the wheel to the axle flange rather than a separate bolt-on hub. For late-1998 AU Series I models, the Ford Falcon AU Workshop Manual and Gregory’s Service and Repair Manual No. 262 note that the front end still uses serviceable tapered roller bearings within the hub, while IRS-equipped variants use a bolt-in rear hub/bearing unit and live-axle models retain a pressed-on axle bearing. Bearing catalogues from Timken/Protex list front bearing kits for EL/AU (indicating non-unitised hubs) and show bolt-on hub units for later BA models, backing this configuration.

On a 1998 Falcon, the wheel hub’s job is to centre and support the wheel, house the bearings, carry the wheel studs, and provide a mounting face for the brake rotor. On some trims with ABS, the hub or bearing area includes a tone ring/encoder for the sensor. Whether it’s an EL or AU, that hub is vital to smooth, safe running and even brake performance.

For servicing, the front hubs on EL and most AU models use tapered roller bearings. They’re designed to be cleaned, inspected and repacked with a quality high-temperature wheel bearing grease, then adjusted to the factory end-float/preload. Always fit a new grease seal and split pin, and check the dust cap. Any pitting, bluing, roughness or looseness means it’s time for new bearings and races. On live-axle rears, the bearing is pressed to the axle with a retainer