ABS, wheel bearing

MICAELA

MEMBER
2011 FORD FOCUS
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
160,000 MILES

Recently got the wheel bearing and hub assembly (front driver side) replaced. The wheel bearing basically became welded to the car (over time and from heat) and was taken off to be taken to a shop to take apart so could be replaced. Replacement was successfully done by a friend. ABS and hydroplane lights both came on as I drove it down the street. There’s a slight hissing noise coming from the front tire where wheel baring was replaced. Not sure at all what to do or expect. :(

5 Replies

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

We need to start with checking ABS codes and going from there. I suspect you have a wheel speed sensor issue if the wheel bearing got that hot. However, there will be a code that points us in that direction so let's start with that. Here are some videos and guides that will help with this:

https://youtu.be/rTtAnsOlZU4

https://youtu.be/ANWVTh2RQoQ

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

Let us know what you find and we can go from there. Thanks

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Thursday, October 1st, 2020 AT 7:19 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,269 POSTS

Hi,

Is the noise loud enough for you to record and upload for me to hear? If it is, please try to do that.

Now, the front wheel bearing on this vehicle is a press on bearing. It is separated from the actual hub. You indicated that it was in very bad condition and a shop removed it for you. By any chance did they use heat to get things apart? Also, I need to gain a better understanding if exactly what was replaced. The ABS sensor is mounted to the top of the spindle. See pic 1. Make sure the wiring is not rubbing anything that turns and confirm that it is properly attached.

Pic 2 shows an exploded view of the assembly. Can you tell me which parts were replaced? Number 1 is the hub, number is the spindle, number 3 is the bearing and number 4 is a retainer.

Let me know.

Joe

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Thursday, October 1st, 2020 AT 7:28 PM

MICAELA

MEMBER
3 POSTS

The noise isn’t that that loud but it’s noticeable. It’s almost like a hissing noise but like “Ss ss ss ss” until I reach about 40 mph. I noticed it also stops in motion when reversing. For example leaving a parking spot, as i’m reversing, instead of a continuous roll when pulling out, it will just stop and I have to gas to keep it reversing.
From what I understand they did use heat on it to separate them. They said it was “welded together” so they had to separate it to remove it. Since it wouldn’t pop off. I was told the ABS wire may not have gotten plugged in, maybe they forgot, but i’m not sure how to check that. The picture provided is the piece I had ordered so I hope that helps with figuring out what all was replaced.

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Thursday, October 1st, 2020 AT 10:26 PM

MICAELA

MEMBER
3 POSTS

I also noticed, because I just drove it to run an errand, that the sound is almost like a scraping sound when turning.

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Friday, October 2nd, 2020 AT 5:29 AM

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

I am thinking that the scraping noise is a backing plate making contact with the rotor or the bearing getting locked up caused more damage to the "housing" which is called the knuckle.

Just to be clear, the picture knuckle assembly is what you had replaced? If that is the case, then I am sure there is just something making contact with a rotating object.

As for the ABS not getting plugged in would make perfect sense and the codes would support this as you will have an open circuit DTC for that wheel speed sensor.

I would recommend pulling the wheel off and spin the hub and rotor to see if you can see or hear anything.

Let us know what turns up.