Parts for your 2017 Ford Fiesta-Wheel bearings

Wheel Bearings Maintenance and Replacement for Your 2017 Ford Fiesta

When it comes to maintaining your 2017 Ford Fiesta, keeping an eye on the wheel bearings is critical. These components are essential for ensuring a smooth and safe driving experience. Wheel bearings help your wheels rotate with minimal friction and are fundamental in supporting the weight of the vehicle. Over time, they can wear out and need replacing, so let's delve into how and when to look at your Fiesta's wheel bearings.

Firstly, understanding the signs of worn wheel bearings can make a big difference in preventing further damage. There are a few key symptoms to watch for:

• If you hear a grinding or humming noise when driving, particularly at highway speeds, this could be a sign of failing wheel bearings. The sound often becomes louder as you turn the steering wheel.
• Feeling vibrations through the steering wheel or notice a wandering sensation while driving, especially at higher speeds, could be another indication.
• Uneven tyre wear speaks volumes. While it might suggest alignment issues initially, it could also hint at a wheel bearing problem.
• When inspecting your wheels, any noticeable play or looseness when rocking the wheel might confirm troubled wheel bearings.

Once you've identified the symptoms of faulty wheel bearings, it's time for replacement, which is a critical part of keeping your Fiesta in top shape. Here's what to consider:

1. Tools and Parts Required: To replace wheel bearings, you'll need a jack, jack stands, a lug wrench, a socket set, a torque wrench, and a replacement wheel bearing kit. These tools ensure you have everything required for safely replacing the components.
2. Safety First: Ensure the vehicle is on a flat, stable surface. Use wheel chocks to prevent movement, and confirm the car is in gear or 'Park' with the parking brake engaged.
3. Wheel Removal: Loosen the lug nuts slightly before lifting the vehicle. Then, use the jack to raise the car and secure it with jack stands. Fully remove the lug nuts and take the wheel off.
4. Brake and Hub Disassembly: Depending on the Fiesta model, you might need to remove the brake caliper and rotor to access the wheel hub. Secure the caliper with wire to avoid stressing the brake line.
5. Removing the Old Bearing: With the car's hub exposed, you can begin removing the wheel bearing. This step might require some effort, as the bearing is often tightly fitted.
6. Install New Bearings: Place the new bearing in the hub and ensure it is seated properly. This process often requires the use of a bearing press or mallet, depending on how tightly the bearing fits into the hub.
7. Reassemble the Components: Once the new bearing is in place, you can begin reassembling the hub, rotor, caliper, and wheel in the reverse order of how it was disassembled. Ensure all bolts and nuts are tightened correctly, adhering to the manufacturer's torque specifications.
8. Wheel Installation and Test Drive: Reattach the wheel, hand-tighten the lug nuts, lower the car, and finally tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer's recommended torque. A gentle test drive will ensure the new bearings have been installed correctly and are functioning equally on both sides.

Keeping records of when you've replaced wheel bearings helps with future maintenance scheduling. Most wheel bearings last around 136,000 to 160,000 kilometres, but this can vary significantly based on driving conditions and habits. Therefore, regular checks by a certified technician during routine servicing of your Fiesta can extend the life of these crucial components.

Remember: maintaining your wheel bearings along with routine vehicle care not only prolongs the life of your Fiesta's tyres and suspension system but also ensures a smoother drive and adds to overall vehicle safety. Being proactive with these checks is key to keeping your Fiesta performing at its best on the roads, giving you peace of mind in your driving adventures.