Parts for your 2018 Ford Fiesta-Wheel bearings

Maintaining and Replacing Wheel Bearings on Your 2018 Ford Fiesta

When it comes to vehicle maintenance, the wheel bearings on your 2018 Ford Fiesta are crucial components. They play an essential role in ensuring a smooth ride and maintaining proper wheel function. If you're experiencing issues like strange noises coming from the wheels, vibrations, or uneven tyre wear, it might be time to give some attention to those wheel bearings.

Wheel bearings are located inside the wheel hub, where they support the weight of the vehicle and allow the wheels to rotate with minimal friction. They are critical for the alignment and balance of your car. If they start to fail, it can lead to more significant issues and even interfere with your ability to steer the car effectively.

• Listen for Unusual Noises: If you notice a humming or growling sound while driving, it may indicate that your wheel bearings are worn out. This noise usually amplifies when you take corners or shift the weight of the vehicle from one side to another.
• Watch for Vibrations: Vibrations in the steering wheel, particularly when accelerating, can be a sign of failing wheel bearings. It's wise to have these checked out promptly to avoid further issues.
• Inspect for Uneven Tyre Wear: If you observe that your tyres are wearing unevenly, your wheel alignment may be out, possibly due to compromised wheel bearings.
• Check for Excessive Play: You can manually check for wheel bearing issues by jacking up your car and seeing if the wheel has any excessive play when shaken. If there's a noticeable amount of play, the bearings might be the cause.

Checking and replacing wheel bearings isn't typically a DIY job unless you're particularly handy with automotive repairs. Here's a guide on what the process generally entails when handled by a professional mechanic.

1. Wheel and Brake Removal: The first steps involve safely lifting the car, removing the wheel, and then taking off the brake components to access the wheel hub and bearings.
2. Removing the Old Bearings: Once the hub assembly is exposed, the old bearings need to be carefully removed. This often involves loosening bolts and potentially using specialised tools or a press to carefully extract the old parts.
3. Cleaning and Inspection: Before fitting new bearings, the hub and surrounding areas should be cleaned and inspected for any signs of damage or wear that might have been caused by the failing bearing.
4. Installing New Bearings: The new bearings must be properly seated in the hub. They are usually pre-greased, but sometimes additional high-temperature grease will be added to ensure smooth operation. It's important to ensure that they are aligned and fitted without any obstructions or defects.
5. Reassembly: With the new bearings in place, reassemble the hub and reinstall all the components. The brake assembly and wheel are then refitted, followed by torquing the wheel nuts to the manufacturer's specifications.
6. Test Drive: After everything is reassembled, a test drive is essential to ensure the issue is resolved. Any unusual noises, vibrations, or handling issues should be checked before considering the job complete.

Finally, let's touch on maintenance tips. Regular checks and maintenance can help prolong the life of your wheel bearings. While they are not usually included in routine maintenance schedules, having your wheel bearings inspected periodically during regular service intervals is advisable. Mechanics can catch any potential issues early, especially if you frequently drive on rough roads or are planning a long trip.

To summarise, keeping an ear and eye out for the signs of wheel bearing wear can save you a lot of hassle in the long run. It's always prudent to address any concerns promptly, ensuring your Ford Fiesta drives smoothly and safely. Stay on top of your car's maintenance, and those wheel bearings will serve you well for many kilometres to come.