Replacing a wheel bearing can be a daunting task, but it’s actually quite simple with the right tools and a little know-how. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps on how to replace a wheel bearing, from start to finish. We’ll provide you with all the information you need, from the tools you’ll need to the safety precautions you should take. So, whether you’re a seasoned mechanic or a novice DIYer, read on to learn how to replace a wheel bearing like a pro.
Before you start, it’s important to gather all of the tools you’ll need. This includes a floor jack, jack stands, lug wrench, socket set, and torque wrench. You’ll also need a new wheel bearing, which you can purchase at your local auto parts store. Once you have all of your tools, you’re ready to get started. First, you’ll need to loosen the lug nuts on the wheel that has the bad bearing. Then, use the floor jack to raise the vehicle and place the jack stands under the frame. Once the vehicle is secure, you can remove the lug nuts and take off the wheel.
With the wheel removed, you’ll need to remove the brake caliper. To do this, simply unbolt the caliper bolts and pull the caliper off of the rotor. Once the caliper is removed, you’ll need to remove the brake pads. To do this, simply push the pads out of the caliper with your fingers. Now, you’ll need to remove the rotor. To do this, simply unbolt the rotor bolts and pull the rotor off of the wheel hub. Once the rotor is removed, you’ll be able to see the wheel bearing. To remove the wheel bearing, simply use a socket wrench to unbolt the bearing bolts. Once the bolts are removed, you can pull the wheel bearing off of the wheel hub. Now, you can install the new wheel bearing. Simply slide the new bearing onto the wheel hub and tighten the bearing bolts. Once the bearing is tight, you can reinstall the rotor, brake pads, and caliper. Finally, you can put the wheel back on and tighten the lug nuts. Once the lug nuts are tight, you can lower the vehicle and remove the jack stands. You’ve now successfully replaced the wheel bearing.
Removing the Wheel
To remove the wheel, follow these steps:
- Loosen the lug nuts on the wheel. Do not remove them completely.
- Lift the car using a jack. Place the jack under the designated jack point near the wheel you are replacing.
- Remove the lug nuts and lift the flat tire off the wheelbase.
Removing the Axle Nut
Once the wheel is removed, you will need to remove the axle nut. To do this:
1. Place a socket and extension over the axle nut. Ensure that the socket is large enough to fit snugly over the axle nut.
2. Engage a breaker bar or ratchet onto the socket extension.
3. Utilizing the breaker bar, apply counterclockwise force to loosen the axle nut. Keep in mind that the axle nut may require considerable force to loosen, as it is typically torqued to a high specification.
4. Once the axle nut is loose, remove it completely by hand or using a wrench.
5. Pull the hub assembly off the wheelbase.
**Caution:** Axle nuts are typically torqued to high specifications, so it’s crucial to use a breaker bar or ratchet with adequate leverage to loosen them. Additionally, ensure the vehicle is securely jacked and stable before attempting to remove the axle nut.
Separating the Steering Knuckle from the Hub
Tools needed:
- Jack stands
- Lug wrench
- Socket set
- Pry bar
- Hammer
Steps:
- Place the vehicle on jack stands and remove the lug nuts.
- Remove the wheel and locate the steering knuckle.
- Remove the bolts that connect the steering knuckle to the hub.
- Use a pry bar to carefully pry the steering knuckle away from the hub.
- If the steering knuckle is stuck, you may need to use a hammer to gently tap it loose.
NOTE: Be careful not to damage the steering knuckle or hub when using a hammer. - Once the steering knuckle is separated from the hub, you can proceed to the next step of replacing the wheel bearing.
- Loosen the lug nuts on the wheel that has the bad bearing, but do not remove them completely.
- Raise the car and support it on jack stands.
- Remove the lug nuts and take off the wheel.
- Use a socket wrench to remove the axle nut.
- Use a puller to remove the hub assembly from the axle.
- Remove the old wheel bearing from the hub assembly.
- Install the new wheel bearing into the hub assembly.
- Reinstall the hub assembly onto the axle.
- Tighten the axle nut.
- Reinstall the wheel and lug nuts.
- Lower the car and tighten the lug nuts.
- A grinding or humming noise when driving
- A vibration in the steering wheel or seat
- Uneven tire wear
Cleaning the Hub and Knuckle
Once the old wheel bearing has been removed, it’s important to thoroughly clean the hub and knuckle to ensure that no contaminants are left behind. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide on how to clean the hub and knuckle:
1. Remove Loose Debris
Use a wire brush to remove any loose dirt, rust, or debris from the hub and knuckle.
2. Use a Cleaning Agent
Apply a brake cleaner or degreaser to the hub and knuckle and let it soak for a few minutes to dissolve any grease or oil residue.
3. Scrub with a Wire Brush
Use a wire brush to scrub the hub and knuckle thoroughly to remove any remaining contaminants. Be sure to get into all the nooks and crannies.
4. Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse the hub and knuckle thoroughly with clean water to remove any remaining cleaning agent or debris.
5. Dry the Surfaces
Use a clean towel or compressed air to dry the hub and knuckle completely.
6. Inspect for Damage
Once the hub and knuckle are clean and dry, inspect them for any damage, such as cracks, pitting, or wear. If you find any damage, you may need to replace the hub or knuckle before installing the new wheel bearing.
7. Prepare for Bearing Installation
To prepare the hub and knuckle for bearing installation, apply a thin layer of clean wheel bearing grease to the following surfaces:
| Surface | Amount of Grease |
|---|---|
| Inner race of the new bearing | Light coat |
| Outer race of the new bearing | Light coat |
| Hub surface where the bearing will be seated | Thin film |
| Knuckle surface where the bearing will be seated | Thin film |
Applying grease to these surfaces will help ensure proper lubrication and prevent premature bearing failure.
How to Replace a Wheel Bearing
Replacing a wheel bearing is a relatively simple task that can be completed in a few hours with the right tools and materials. Here are the steps on how to do it:
People Also Ask
What are the symptoms of a bad wheel bearing?
The symptoms of a bad wheel bearing include:
How long does it take to replace a wheel bearing?
Replacing a wheel bearing typically takes 1-2 hours.
How much does it cost to replace a wheel bearing?
The cost to replace a wheel bearing varies depending on the make and model of your car, but it typically costs between $100 and $300.
