Bearing Check

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Ford Focus. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: Establish the cause of the damage and resolve it.

Check whether the bearing cage is damaged at the top, side or at the openings is damaged because of the unprofessional use of a special tool or of the wrong tool.
- Install a new bearing if necessary.
  
  Fig 1: Checking For Bearing Damage
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Check whether the ends of the taper rollers are discolored as a result of inadequate lubrication or overheating, possibly through excessive pre-load.
- Install a new bearing and new seals if necessary.
- Check the bearing is correctly lubricated.
  
  Fig 2: Checking Ends Of Taper Rollers For Discoloration
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Check whether the ends of the taper rollers are worn away due to incorrect installation, excessive pre-load or faulty bearing seating.
- Install a new bearing and new seals if necessary.
- Check the bearing is correctly lubricated.
  
  Fig 3: Checking Ends Of Taper Rollers For Wear
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Check whether the bearing surfaces are grey or grey/black with deposits between the rollers.
- Install a new bearing and new seals if necessary.
- Check the bearing is correctly lubricated.
  
  Fig 4: Checking Bearing Surfaces For Grey Or Grey/Black Deposits
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Check whether the bearing ring surfaces are grooved caused by static impact.
- Install a new bearing if its surface is rough, or if it is noisy.
  
  Fig 5: Checking Bearing Ring Surfaces For Grooves
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: Overheating can cause loss of surface hardness.

Check for a dark blue color caused by overheating (yellow or brown is normal) due to excessive pre-load or inadequate lubrication.
- Install a new bearing, new seals and check other components as necessary.
  
  Fig 6: Checking For A Dark Blue Color Caused By Overheating
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Check the surfaces for abrasion due to metal fatigue.
- Install a new bearing and clean all other affected components as necessary.
  
  Fig 7: Checking Surfaces For Abrasion Due To Metal Fatigue
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.