2004 Ford Focus Loud airplane or helicoptor type noise

SCOOTR_72

MEMBER
2004 FORD FOCUS
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
80,000 MILES

Ford Focus not sure of the year. Car is making a noise like an extremely loud hum seems to be coming from the back on the passenger side. Lifted with jack and spun tire, tire looks like it wobbles slightly not sure if it is the tire or the rim. Took tire off, had to use pry bar after lug nuts were off to remove tire from hub. After tire was off spun hub and it rubs periodically against shroud on back side of hub. Am I in the right area for the noise or am I chasing a different problem entirely. Also should I take off the hub and look for more damage or should I pack grease in there to see if noise goes away?

1 Reply

DAVE H

MECHANIC
13,383 POSTS

Sounds like your rear wheel beqring may be breaking down and needs replacing?

Wheel Bearing
Special Tool(s)
Fig. 10: Identifying Special Tool(s)
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Removal
All Vehicles
Remove the wheel hub. For additional information, refer to WHEEL HUB.
Vehicles With Anti-Lock Brakes
Remove and discard the wheel speed sensor ring.
All Vehicles
Remove the circlip.
Using the special tool, remove the wheel bearing.
Fig. 13: Removing Wheel Bearing
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Installation
All Vehicles
CAUTION:Support the brake drum on the wheel mounting face and not on the wheel nut studs.

Using the special tool, install a new wheel bearing.
Install the circlip.

Using the special tools, install the water seal carrier into the wheel bearing assembly.

Vehicles With Anti-Lock Brakes
CAUTION:Avoid any impact on the wheel speed sensor ring.

CAUTION:Make sure the wheel speed sensor ring is clean.

CAUTION:Avoid any contact between the wheel speed sensor ring and a magnetic surface.

Using the special tool, install a new wheel speed sensor ring.
All Vehicles
NOTE:The following step is only required for vehicles without a water seal installed.

Using suitable emery cloth, remove any pitting or corrosion from the leading edge of the wheel spindle seal running surface.
NOTE:The following step is only required for vehicles without a water seal installed.

Attach the water seal and protective cap to the wheel spindle.
NOTE:The following step is only required for vehicles without a water seal installed.

Install the water seal in two stages.
Stage 1: Using the special tool, engage the water seal and protective cap.
Stage 2: Tighten to 7 Nm.
Remove the special tool.
Remove the protective cap.
Install the wheel hub.