Parts for your 2017 Ford Mondeo-Wheel hubs

Maintaining and Replacing Wheel Hubs on Your 2017 Ford Mondeo

The wheel hubs on your 2017 Ford Mondeo are an integral part of the vehicle's suspension and steering system. They ensure the smooth rotation of your wheels and are crucial for overall safety and performance. Here's a comprehensive guide on maintaining and replacing the wheel hubs for your Mondeo, which will help in keeping your car in top shape.

Regular maintenance of the wheel hubs helps prevent premature wear and tear, which could lead to more costly repairs down the line. Understanding what a wheel hub assembly entails and recognising signs of wear can save you time and money.

Your Ford Mondeo wheel hubs are designed to support the vehicle's weight and provide a mounting point for your wheels. They contain bearings that let the wheels spin freely while maintaining stability. Over time, these bearings and other components can wear out, leading to symptoms like unusual noises, vibrations, or uneven tyre wear. Addressing these issues promptly can prevent further damage and ensure safe driving.

1. Listen for Unusual Noises: If you hear grinding, clicking, or humming noises that increase with speed, it may signal worn-out wheel bearings inside the hub assembly. This is typically noticed when a hub is failing. Conducting a regular sound check while driving - preferably on a quiet road with minimal external noise - can help you detect these early signs.
2. Feel for Vibrations: Steering wheel vibrations, especially when driving at high speed, can be indicative of a faulty wheel hub or bearing. It could also result from imbalanced tyres, so it's crucial to inspect both the hubs and tyres when you notice any new vibrations.
3. Monitor Tyre Wear: Uneven or accelerated tyre wear could be a tell-tale sign that your wheel hubs or alignment need attention. Although regular tyre rotation and wheel alignment upkeep could minimise tyre wear, inspecting your hubs is essential if irregular wear patterns persist.

If you detect any of these symptoms, it may be time to replace your wheel hubs. Here are steps and tips for replacing them, either at home or with a trusted mechanic:

• Preparation: Start by ensuring you have the correct replacement hubs for your model. It's advisable to use genuine or reputable aftermarket parts to maintain vehicle integrity and performance. Make sure you have all the necessary tools ready and jack stands to safely support the car.
• Remove the Wheel: Loosen the lug nuts slightly before lifting the vehicle with a jack. Once elevated on jack stands, fully remove the lug nuts and the wheel to access the hub assembly.
• Disassemble the Brake Components: Carefully remove the brake caliper and the rotor to expose the hub assembly. Be sure to suspend the caliper with a bungee cord or similar device to prevent stress on the brake line.
• Remove the Faulty Hub: Disconnect any sensors, like the ABS sensor if necessary. Unbolt the wheel hub from the steering knuckle. A puller tool might be necessary for particularly stubborn hubs.
• Install the New Hub: Place the new hub onto the steering knuckle, ensuring proper alignment. Reattach it securely with bolts to the vehicle's specified torque settings. Reattach any sensors and ensure they are plugged in correctly.
• Reassemble All Removed Parts: Reinstall the brake rotor and caliper. Make sure they are re-seated correctly to prevent brake issues. Double-check all connections and ensure nothing is left loose.
• Refit the Wheel and Lower the Car: Carefully mount the wheel back onto the hub, tightening the lug nuts securely. Lower the car and do a final tightening of the lug nuts in a criss-cross pattern for even distribution.

Besides DIY efforts, maintaining a relationship with a knowledgeable mechanic could be beneficial. Regular servicing and inspections will ensure any early signs of wear are caught promptly, potentially sparing you from costly repairs. While many might opt to handle some of the basic checks and maintenance themselves, having at least an annual professional check-up of your Mondeo's wheel hubs should be on your to-do list.

The wheel hubs are instrumental in providing a smooth and safe driving experience. Regular inspections and timely replacements of faulty wheel hubs will help you enjoy many more kilometres on the roads. Keep an eye on those hub-related symptoms and don't hesitate to give them the attention they deserve.