Wheel Hub - O Ring Service Tip

Article No.
97-22-7

10/27/97

WHEEL - HUB 0-RING - SERVICE TIP

LIGHT TRUCK:
1997-98 EXPEDITION, F-150, F-250 LD
1998 NAVIGATOR

ISSUE:
Dealerships may be removing and not reinstalling the wheel hub O-ring. If the O-ring is not reinstalled, the wheel may seize on the hub or result in a vibration through the steering wheel.

ACTION:
Make sure the O-ring is assembled onto the wheel to hub assembly. Refer to the following Service Information for details.

SERVICE INFORMATION

1. It is important to reinstall undamaged or replace damaged or cut wheel hub O-rings. The O-ring has two purposes. First, the O-ring helps to center the wheel on the hub. If the O-ring is missing or damaged, a force variation and wheel imbalance may result which could be detectable by the customer through the steering wheel. Second, the O-ring helps prevent corrosion between the wheel and hub thus reducing the chance of the wheel seizing on the hub.

2. The O-ring part number is F65Z-4A331-AA. It is recommended that dealerships keep a supply of wheel hub O-rings in stock in the event an O-ring is missing or damaged during routine service procedures.

3. When replacing an O-ring, the wheel and hub groove should be inspected for burrs or sharp edges. Remove any burrs or round off any sharp edges on wheel or hub. A lubricant should be used to aid in the installation of the O-ring onto the hub into the O-ring groove. Soapy water can be applied to the O-ring (most silicone, lithium, or graphite lubricants are adequate as well). Care must be taken when applying O-ring lubricant so that lubricant does not contact wheel studs, lug nuts, and brake components. See the appropriate model Workshop Manual, Page 204-04-4, for further detail on installation of O-ring.

For vehicles with drum brakes, the O-ring must be removed before the drum is removed.

4. O-rings can usually be removed by pressing with fingers on opposite sides to stretch the O-ring partially out of the groove and then grabbing it with the other hand.

5. The preferred O-ring installation procedure is by holding a portion of the O-ring in the groove and then pulling on the opposite side to stretch it into the rest of the groove. If the O-ring is installed by pushing it into the groove, it may twist which prevents proper function. The outer diameter of the O-ring is colored yellow to indicate proper installation.

PART NUMBER PART NAME

F65Z-4A331-AA Hub O-Ring

OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: NONE

WARRANTY STATUS: INFORMATION ONLY

OASIS CODES: 301000, 303000, 304000, 306000, 703000, 703200, 703300, 703400