Ford F-550 Super Duty Wheel Hubs and Bearings
The wheel hubs and bearings on the Ford F-550 Super Duty help provide a smooth and efficient road experience while you drive. When these components are functioning properly, the F-550 vehicle is able to achieve the impressive power it is so well known for. When your Ford F-550 Super Duty wheel hubs and bearings begin to fail, the repercussions can be detrimental to your driving experience.
How do wheel hubs work on this model?Wheel hubs act as a bridge, connecting the wheels to the body of the vehicle. The hubs also house and protect the wheel bearings, which reduce the friction and heat caused by the rapid rotation of the wheels. Found in the center of the wheel, in the middle of the hubcap, a properly functioning hub offers peak performance in the Ford F-550. However, when the hub fails or begins to deteriorate, the negative effects can pile up quickly. A faulty wheel hub and bearing assembly can cause a bumpy and tumultuous driving experience. It can also cause extreme friction and overheating that could potentially damage the wheels, axles, drivetrain, and engine.
How do wheel bearings work on the Super Duty?Wheel bearings are located inside of the wheel hub on the F-550 Super Duty truck. These parts consist of a metal ring that contains multiple steel balls. These steel balls are lubricated and reduce the heat and friction caused by the rapid rotation of the wheel. A properly functioning wheel bearing ensures that your Ford F-550 Super Duty truck provides peak performance with minimal gas mileage. When wheel bearings are not properly installed or become defective, the results can be devastating to your truck. Routine maintenance and responsible driving are recommended to avoid the negative effects from a faulty wheel bearing.
When should you replace the wheel hubs and bearings?Wheel hubs and bearings can last up to 150,000 miles in a Ford F550 model. The actual life of the wheel hubs and bearing will also be partially determined by driving habits and environmental factors. However, it is recommended to have these parts checked every 25,000 miles. Because of the environment of extreme heat and friction within the wheel hub, bearings and hubs are susceptible to a number of problems. The following list contains some signs of faulty or deteriorating hubs and bearings on the F-550 truck.
- Low grinding sound coming from the wheel hub
- Resistance in the steering wheel
- Poor gas mileage
- Faulty braking system
- Loss of power in the car