This article cuts through the noise surrounding 2013 F150 wheel bearing issues. We’ll show you why they fail, offer practical fixes you can do yourself, and highlight insights learned from years of working on these trucks. This addresses three key problems: understanding the root cause of failure, providing DIY repair solutions, and offering preventative measures to extend bearing life.
Wheel bearings, in general, are designed to last a long time. However, the 2013 F150, like any vehicle, can be susceptible to premature bearing failure. While mileage certainly plays a role, other factors are often the culprit.
The Real Enemy: Water and Contaminants
The number one killer of wheel bearings is contamination, especially water. This doesn’t necessarily mean driving through deep water crossings. Simple things like driving in heavy rain or even pressure washing your truck can force water past the seals and into the bearing. Once inside, water washes away the grease, leading to rust and accelerated wear. Off-roading amplifies this problem as dust, mud, and grit can also enter the bearing assembly.
Why the 2013 F150 Might Be More Vulnerable
While not unique to the 2013 model year, the integrated hub and bearing assembly design used on many F150s means that when the bearing fails, you often have to replace the entire hub. This can be more costly than replacing just the bearing in older, serviceable designs. Furthermore, the quality of aftermarket bearings can vary wildly.
Catching a failing wheel bearing early can prevent more serious problems, like damage to the hub or even a wheel separation (though rare, it’s a possibility).
The Tell-Tale Noise: A Grumbling, Humming, or Roaring Sound
The most common symptom is a noise that changes with vehicle speed. It’s often described as a grumbling, humming, or roaring sound. This noise will usually get louder as you accelerate and may change or disappear when you turn the steering wheel, especially at higher speeds. For example, if turning left makes the noise disappear, the right wheel bearing is likely the culprit.
The Wiggle Test: Checking for Play
Jack up the truck, support it safely with jack stands, and grab the wheel at the 12 and 6 o’clock positions. Try to rock the wheel back and forth. Any noticeable play indicates a worn bearing. Also, spin the wheel by hand and listen for any grinding or roughness.
ABS Light: An Indirect Indicator
Sometimes, a failing wheel bearing can trigger the ABS light. This is because the ABS sensor relies on the wheel speed sensor, which is often integrated into the hub assembly. If the bearing is excessively worn, it can affect the sensor’s signal.
Replacing a wheel bearing on a 2013 F150 is a manageable DIY project for experienced mechanics. However, if you’re uncomfortable working on brakes or suspension, it’s best left to a professional.
Tools You’ll Need
- Jack and Jack Stands
- Wheel Chocks
- Socket Set
- Wrench Set
- Torque Wrench
- Hammer
- Penetrating Oil
- Wheel Bearing Hub Assembly (Specific to your 2013 F150)
- Brake Cleaner
- Shop Rags
The Replacement Process
- Safety First: Chock the rear wheels, loosen the lug nuts on the wheel you’re working on, jack up the truck, and secure it with jack stands. Remove the wheel.
- Disconnect the ABS Sensor: Carefully disconnect the ABS sensor wiring from the hub assembly.
- Remove the Brake Caliper: Unbolt the brake caliper and secure it out of the way with a bungee cord. Do not let it hang by the brake line. Remove the brake rotor.
- Remove the Hub Assembly: This is often the trickiest part. The hub assembly is usually held in place by four bolts on the backside of the steering knuckle. Use penetrating oil and a breaker bar to loosen these bolts. If the hub is seized, you may need to use a hammer to persuade it out.
- Install the New Hub Assembly: Clean the mounting surface on the steering knuckle. Install the new hub assembly, tightening the bolts to the torque specifications listed in your truck’s repair manual.
- Reassemble: Reinstall the brake rotor, brake caliper, ABS sensor, and wheel. Torque the lug nuts to the correct specification.
- Test Drive: Take the truck for a test drive and listen for any unusual noises.
Where I Learned The Hard Way About Aftermarket Bearings
I once used a cheaper aftermarket bearing on my own F150, thinking I was saving money. It failed within 10,000 miles. This taught me a valuable lesson: stick with reputable brands like Timken or SKF, or OEM Ford parts if possible. The initial savings weren’t worth the hassle of doing the job twice.
Prevention is always better than cure. Here’s how to minimize the risk of premature wheel bearing failure.
Avoiding Water Ingress: Seal of Protection
Be mindful of water exposure. Avoid driving through deep water whenever possible, and be cautious when pressure washing around the wheels. Consider applying a marine-grade grease to the backside of the hub where it meets the steering knuckle. This can create an additional barrier against water intrusion.
Regular Inspection: A Quick Check Goes a Long Way
Periodically check for play in the wheels as described above. Early detection can prevent catastrophic failure and allow you to address the problem before it gets worse. Listen for any unusual noises while driving and investigate them promptly.
The Right Grease: Choosing the Right Lubricant
While the bearings themselves are sealed, applying a thin coat of high-quality, water-resistant grease to the hub mounting surface can help prevent corrosion and make future removal easier. Use a synthetic, high-temperature grease designed for wheel bearings.
When it comes time to replace your wheel bearing, you’ll face a decision: which brand to choose? Here’s a simple table to help guide you:
| Brand | Price | Reliability | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| OEM Ford | Highest | Excellent | The most reliable option, but also the most expensive. |
| Timken | High | Very Good | A well-respected brand known for quality and durability. |
| SKF | High | Very Good | Another reputable brand with a long history of manufacturing high-quality bearings. |
| Moog | Medium | Good | A popular aftermarket brand. Quality can be variable, so read reviews carefully. |
| Cheap Chinese | Lowest | Poor | Avoid these at all costs. They are often poorly made and prone to early failure. |
Remember, investing in a quality bearing is a long-term investment in the reliability of your truck.
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