Wheel Hubs & bearings for Ford F-350 Super Duty

Ford F 350 Super Duty Wheel Hubs Bearings

The hubs and bearings in the Ford F-350 Super Duty truck provide resistance-free rotation for the tires and allow the truck to drive at maximum performance. When these integral components wear down, break, or malfunction, drivers will experience lower gas mileage, resistance while steering, and a grinding sound coming from the tires. A failed hub or bearing can cause rapid deterioration to the Ford F 350s axles and drivetrain.

How does a vehicles wheel bearing work?

The F-350s bearing is composed of a metal ring that contains multiple steel balls. These balls reduce friction and allow the tires to rotate at rapid speeds without overheating or wearing down. When properly installed and maintained, bearings provide a smooth driving experience and optimal gas mileage. Some signs of faulty bearings include:

  • Resistance while steering, especially when turning the vehicle.
  • Grinding noise coming from the tires.
  • Rattling and shaking at high speeds.
  • Lower gas mileage than normal.
How does a wheel hub work?

The hub acts as the bridge between the truck and the tires. The Ford F-350 Super Duty has four hubs, each housing the bearings inside of the tires. When properly functioning, the hub protects the bearings which allow for a smooth, resistance-free driving experience. A faulty hub can expose the inner parts of the wheel, eventually resulting in catastrophic effects. Some detrimental results of a faulty hub include:

  • Rusted or broken bearings: This can lead to the deterioration of the axle and drivetrain.
  • Malfunctioning drivetrain: A faulty hub creates resistance when the tires are spinning. This makes the drivetrain work harder to move your F-350 truck down the road and eventually wears the drivetrain out.
  • Unsafe operating conditions: When the hub fails, the rest of the truck begins to deteriorate. One of the first components to be affected is the brakes. When the tires are not properly functioning because of the hub, the brakes no longer function correctly. This leads to very dangerous conditions.
When should you replace hubs and bearings in the F-350?

Although hubs and bearings can last up to 150,000 miles, it is recommended to check them every 25,000 miles. Outside of normal wear and tear, these components endure extreme conditions on a regular basis. Some signs that hubs or bearings need replacement include:

  • Resistance while steering.
  • A low grinding noise coming from the tires.
  • Poor gas mileage.
  • A rough and shaky driving experience.