1996 Ford Taurus 1996 Taurus terrible grinding noise in rea

THATONEGUY1983

MEMBER
1996 FORD TAURUS
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
125,000 MILES

I started hearing a terrible grinding noise coming from the rear driver's side wheel for a few days. My tire looks fine. The noise would come and go, at varying speeds, for the first two days.

It has become persistent and gotten louder. I've been told it could be my brakes or my wheel bearings. All the research for wheel bearings in a '96 Taurus talks about the front bearings, and the noise is definitely coming from the rear wheel.

I can handle oil changes, tune ups, and switching out an alternator. But drum brakes are way over my head and I would really appreciate any help. I can take and upload pictures, but I'm not even sure what I should be looking at right now.

1 Reply

BMRFIXIT

MECHANIC
19,053 POSTS

have to check
jack suspected area and check

check for broken spring
remove tire and check brakes and bearing
yes you have a rear bearing hub too

HUB & WHEEL BEARINGS
NOTE:Hub and bearing assembly is not serviceable. Entire assembly must be replaced if defective.

Removal (Disc Brakes)
Raise vehicle. Remove wheel and tire assembly. Remove caliper assembly and support to one side. Remove disc rotor. Remove and discard grease cap and bearing retaining nut. Remove hub and bearing assembly from spindle.
On vehicles equipped with ABS, sensor ring must be removed and installed on replacement hub assembly. Mount hub assembly in Pinion Bearing Cone Remover (T71P-4621-B) and place in a hydraulic press. Using Ring Replacer (T89P-5493-B), press hub out of sensor ring.
Installation
Place sensor ring over new hub assembly. Place ring and hub down onto Sensor Ring Installer (T88P-20202-B). Place Ring Replacer (T89P-5493-B) between hub and press ram. Press hub into sensor ring.
Place hub and bearing assembly on spindle. Install a NEW retaining nut and tighten to 188-254 ft. lbs. (255-344 N.m). To complete installation, reverse removal procedure. Use NEW grease cap.
Removal & Installation (Drum Brakes)
Raise vehicle. Remove wheel and tire assembly. Remove drum. Remove and discard grease cap and bearing retaining nut. Remove hub and bearing assembly from spindle.
To install, place hub and bearing assembly on spindle. Install a NEW axle hub retaining nut and tighten to 188-254 ft. lbs. (255-344 N.m). To complete installation, reverse removal procedure. Use NEW grease cap