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, noise or play calls for axle removal and press work. IRS-equipped 1998 Falcons have a bolt-in rear hub/bearing assembly—if it rumbles or has play, replace the unit as an assembly.

• Common signs of hub/bearing wear: humming that rises with road speed, play when rocking the wheel at 12 and 6 o’clock, ABS light flickers (if fitted), uneven pad knock-back, or hot-to-touch hub after a drive.
• Good practice: inspect at every tyre rotation, repack front bearings at brake service intervals, renew studs/nuts if damaged, check rotor runout after any hub work.

There isn’t a strict kilometre-based replacement interval—condition and use matter most. Country kilometres, kerb hits, water crossings and oversized wheels accelerate wear. After any hub, bearing or knuckle work, a wheel alignment check is a smart move, and always tighten wheel nuts to the correct spec with a torque wrench.

Because 1998 straddles EL and AU, confirm your build date and rear suspension type (live axle vs IRS) before ordering parts. A quick VIN check against a parts catalogue or the workshop manual avoids surprises.

Popular questions about 1998 Ford Falcon wheel hubs

Do 1998 Falcons use a bolt-on front hub assembly?
No—EL and AU fronts use serviceable tapered roller bearings within a conventional hub. The bolt-on, sealed front hub units appear on later BA/BF models. Rear IRS hubs on some AU variants are bolt-in assemblies, but live-axle rears use a pressed-on axle bearing instead of a separate hub.

Can the front wheel bearings be repacked, or must the hub be replaced?
They can be repacked. Clean, inspect, repack with high-temp grease, adjust end-float to spec, and replace the seal and split pin. If the races or rollers are marked, replace the bearing set. Only IRS-style rear hub units are non-serviceable and replaced as a complete assembly.

What noise points to a failing hub or bearing on a 1998 Falcon?
A steady humming or growl that changes with road speed, not engine revs, is classic. It often gets louder on gentle cornering as load shifts. Excess play when rocking the wheel, brake pad knock-back, or ABS warnings (where fitted) also point to hub/bearing issues.