Tread carefully with any car repair, big or small. Taking the time to understand the complexities, potential risks, and necessary steps will save time and money in the long run. Moreover, this will give you the confidence to handle these issues on your own or at least have a better understanding when you take your vehicle to a mechanic. Read on to learn how to replace a wheel bearing, all on your own. Replacing a wheel bearing may seem like a daunting task, but it can be done with the right tools and knowledge. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started.
First, you’ll need to gather your tools. You’ll need a jack, jack stands, a lug wrench, a socket wrench, and a new wheel bearing. Once you have your tools, you can start by jacking up the car and securing it with jack stands. Then, remove the lug nuts and take off the wheel. Next, you’ll need to remove the brake caliper and rotor. Be careful not to damage the brake lines when you’re doing this. Once the brake caliper and rotor are removed, you’ll be able to see the wheel bearing. Remove the old wheel bearing and replace it with the new one. Finally, reassemble the brake caliper, rotor, wheel, and lug nuts. Once everything is tightened down, you can lower the car and remove the jack stands.
Replacing a wheel bearing is a relatively simple task, but it’s important to take your time and do it right. If you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, you can always take your car to a mechanic. However, if you’re looking to save some money and learn a new skill, replacing a wheel bearing is a great place to start.
Identifying Worn Wheel Bearings
1. Unusual noises: The most common sign of worn wheel bearings is unusual noises emanating from the wheel. As the bearing wears, it loses its ability to smoothly support the rotating wheel, resulting in friction and metallic grinding sounds. These noises can vary in intensity and pitch depending on the severity of the wear and the speed of the vehicle.
2. Loose or wobbly wheels: Worn wheel bearings can cause excessive play in the wheels, making them feel loose or wobbly when you attempt to move them. This excessive movement can be evident when driving over bumps or when braking. The loose wheel may also exhibit abnormal vibrations during driving.
3. Increased tire wear: Worn wheel bearings can lead to uneven tire wear. As the bearing fails, it can cause the wheel to misalign slightly, resulting in improper contact with the road surface. This misalignment can create uneven wear patterns on the tire tread, which can compromise its performance and safety.
4. Reduced braking efficiency: Failing wheel bearings can also affect the vehicle’s braking performance. As the bearing degrades, increased friction within the wheel assembly can lead to reduced braking effectiveness. This can manifest as a decrease in stopping power or a spongy brake pedal feel.
| Symptom | Possible Cause |
|---|---|
| Grinding or humming noise from a wheel | Worn wheel bearing |
| Loose or wobbly wheel | Worn wheel bearing |
| Uneven tire wear | Worn wheel bearing |
| Reduced braking efficiency | Worn wheel bearing |
Preparing Your Vehicle
Before beginning the wheel bearing replacement process, it is crucial to ensure the safety of both you and your vehicle. Follow these steps to properly prepare your vehicle:
Safety Precautions and Tools
To ensure your safety, always park your vehicle on a stable, level surface. Engage the parking brake to prevent any accidental movement. Gather the necessary tools for the job, including a jack, jack stands, appropriate socket wrench, torque wrench, and new wheel bearing.
Locating the Faulty Wheel Bearing
Identifying the faulty wheel bearing is essential before proceeding. Listen for any unusual noises, such as grinding or humming, coming from the wheels while driving. Additionally, check for any uneven tire wear or excessive play in the wheel when it is lifted off the ground. These signs can indicate a failing wheel bearing.
Preparing the Vehicle for Lifting
Choose an appropriate jacking point on the vehicle’s frame, as specified in your owner’s manual. Position the jack securely and slowly raise the vehicle until there is approximately 6 inches of clearance between the ground and the flat tire. Place jack stands under the designated jacking points and lower the vehicle onto them, ensuring stability.
Removing the Wheel
Before beginning, ensure you have the necessary tools, including a jack, jack stands, lug wrench, and wheel chocks. Follow these steps to safely remove the wheel:
1. Safety First
Engage the parking brake and place wheel chocks behind the wheels opposite the one you will be removing. This will prevent the vehicle from rolling while it is raised.
2. Loosen the Lug Nuts
Using the lug wrench, loosen the lug nuts on the wheel you want to remove, but do not remove them completely. Turn the lug nuts counterclockwise to loosen them.
3. Lift the Vehicle and Remove the Wheel
Position the jack next to the wheel you are removing and raise the vehicle until there is approximately 6 inches of clearance between the ground and the tire. Secure the vehicle with jack stands for added stability.
Once the vehicle is lifted, completely remove the lug nuts by hand and then carefully pull the wheel straight towards you to detach it from the wheelbase.
Tip: If the wheel is stuck, you can use a rubber mallet to gently tap the tire in the direction you are pulling to help loosen it.
Removing the Brake Components
Safely lift the vehicle and secure it on jack stands, then remove the hubcap or lug cover from the affected wheel. Loosen the lug nuts slightly using a lug wrench, but do not remove them completely.
Locate the brake caliper, which is the component that houses the brake pads and piston. Use a socket wrench or hex key to unbolt the caliper from the caliper bracket, being careful not to damage the brake line.
Once the caliper is unbolted, carefully lift it away from the rotor and suspend it using a bungee cord or zip tie. Do not allow the caliper to hang by the brake line.
Remove the brake pads from the caliper by sliding them out of their slots.
| Note:
If the brake pads are worn or damaged, this is a good time to replace them.
With the caliper and brake pads removed, you can now access the wheel bearing. Removing the Axle NutThe axle nut is a crucial component that secures the wheel bearing to the axle. To remove it safely, follow these detailed steps: 1. Safety PrecautionsAlways prioritize safety by engaging the parking brake and chocking the wheels opposite the one you’re working on. Use proper protective gear, such as gloves and safety glasses. 2. Locate the Axle NutIdentify the axle nut, which is typically a large nut located at the center of the wheel hub. It may be covered by a dust cap, which should be removed with a flathead screwdriver or pry bar. 3. Break Loose the NutUsing a breaker bar or impact wrench, loosen the axle nut by turning it counterclockwise. Apply firm pressure, as this nut can be quite tight. Avoid overtightening, as this can damage the threads. 4. Remove the Axle NutOnce the nut is loose, continue turning it by hand until it can be removed completely. Be careful not to drop the nut or any other components. 5. Check for DamageInspect the axle nut and threads for any signs of damage, such as stripped threads or deformation. If any damage is found, the nut may need to be replaced along with the wheel bearing itself.
Removing the Wheel Bearing Assembly6. Disconnect the brake caliper from the steering knuckle. Procedure:a. Disconnect the brake line from the caliper. Wrap the end of the brake line with a plastic bag and tie it off with a zip tie to prevent brake fluid from leaking. b. Remove the two bolts that secure the brake caliper to the steering knuckle. c. Gently lift the caliper off the rotor. Do not let the caliper hang from the brake line. d. Use a Bungee cord or a wire to secure the caliper out of the way. e. Remove the two bolts that secure the steering knuckle to the wheel hub. f. Pull the steering knuckle away from the wheel hub. The wheel bearing assembly will come out with the steering knuckle.
Torqueing the Axle NutTighten the axle nut to the specified torque using a torque wrench. The torque specifications vary depending on the vehicle, so refer to a repair manual or consult with the vehicle manufacturer for the correct value. For example, the torque specification for a 2005 Honda Civic is 181 ft-lbs (245 Nm). Check the torque of the axle nut after driving a few miles. The axle nut may loosen slightly during the initial driving, so it is important to re-check the torque and tighten it further if necessary. Torqueing the WheelsTighten the wheel bolts/nuts to the specified torque using a torque wrench. The torque specifications vary depending on the vehicle, so refer to a repair manual or consult with the vehicle manufacturer for the correct value. For example, the torque specification for a 2005 Honda Civic is 80 ft-lbs (108 Nm). Re-check the torque of the wheel bolts/nuts after driving a few miles. The wheel bolts/nuts may loosen slightly during the initial driving, so it is important to re-check the torque and tighten them further if necessary.
How To Replace A Wheel BearingReplacing a wheel bearing is a relatively simple task that can be completed in a few hours. However, it is important to note that this task should only be attempted by those who have some mechanical experience. The following steps will provide a general overview of how to replace a wheel bearing:
Once you have completed these steps, the wheel bearing should be replaced and your vehicle should be safe to drive. People Also Ask about How To Replace A Wheel BearingWhat are the signs of a bad wheel bearing?There are several signs that may indicate a bad wheel bearing, including:
How much does it cost to replace a wheel bearing?The cost of replacing a wheel bearing will vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle, as well as the labor rates in your area. However, you can expect to pay between $150 and $300 for the parts and labor. How long does it take to replace a wheel bearing?Replacing a wheel bearing typically takes between 1 and 2 hours. |
