Ford Fiesta Mk6 1.25 82bhp — Front Wheel Bearing Failure
Front wheel bearing wear is extremely common on the Mk6 Fiesta. Most examples will need at least one bearing replaced between 60,000 and 100,000 miles.
Severity
ModerateDIY Difficulty
Moderate
Est. Cost
£120–£250
OBD Codes
None
Wheel Bearing
Typical layout and location for the Wheel Bearing assembly.
Symptoms
- Humming or droning noise that increases with speed
- Noise changes pitch when changing lanes / cornering
- Vibration through steering wheel at speed
- Noise worse on one side when turning
Root Cause
The wheel bearing units are sealed and non-adjustable. They wear naturally with mileage and suffer faster on cars driven on poor road surfaces or with misaligned tracking. Kerbing the wheel accelerates wear significantly.
How To Fix
- Jack the wheel and check for play (grab wheel at 12 and 6 o'clock, rock it — play means worn bearing)
- Remove hub and drive out old bearing with a press
- Press in new bearing — OEM quality recommended (FAG, SKF or Timken)
- This is a DIY-able job with a hydraulic press. Many garages press bearings without replacing the hub.
- Cost at an indie garage: £150-250 per side including parts
Estimated Repair Costs
| Repair Option | Est. Cost (GBP) |
|---|---|
| DIY (parts only) | £48–£100 |
| Independent Garage | £120–£250 |
| Main Dealership | £192–£400 |
Other Faults on This Variant
Power Steering Pump Failure
ModerateThe hydraulic power steering pump on the Mk6 Fiesta fails with age and mileage, making the steering very heavy — especially at low speeds and when parking.
Ignition Coil Pack Failure
ModerateThe single coil pack block fails, causing a 2-cylinder misfire.
Water Ingress into Spark Plug Wells
ModerateThe core plugs (freeze plugs) between the spark plugs rust, leaking coolant into the spark plug wells.
Disclaimer: Repair cost estimates are indicative and based on community data. Always get a quote from a qualified mechanic before proceeding with any repair.