Replacing wheel bearings is a crucial maintenance task that ensures the safe and smooth operation of your vehicle. These bearings play a vital role in reducing friction between the wheel and axle, allowing your car to roll effortlessly and preventing premature tire wear. However, due to constant use and exposure to various road conditions, wheel bearings can deteriorate over time, leading to a range of symptoms that require prompt attention.
If you notice a grinding or humming noise coming from your wheels, excessive play or looseness when you try to move a wheel, or if you experience vibrations while driving, it’s highly likely that your wheel bearings are in need of replacement. Ignoring these warning signs can not only compromise your safety but also cause further damage to your car’s suspension and other components. Therefore, it’s essential to address this issue promptly by replacing the worn-out wheel bearings with new ones.
Replacing wheel bearings can be a complex and time-consuming task that requires specialized tools and technical expertise. If you’re not comfortable performing such repairs yourself, it’s advisable to seek professional assistance from a qualified mechanic or auto repair shop. However, if you have the necessary skills and tools, you can save money by replacing the wheel bearings yourself by following our step-by-step guide.
Identifying Worn Wheel Bearings
Detecting worn wheel bearings can be a subtle task, as their symptoms can manifest gradually and be mistaken for other issues. Here’s a comprehensive list of signs to watch out for:
Loud, Grinding Noise: The most common symptom is a persistent grinding noise that intensifies when cornering or turning. It can also increase with speed, indicating excessive play or damage to the bearings.
Excessive Heat: Worn bearings create friction, which generates heat. Touching the wheel hub or brake rotor near the suspected bearing may reveal abnormal warmth, especially after driving for an extended period.
Vibration in the Steering Wheel or Vehicle: As the wheel bearing deteriorates, it can cause vibrations that travel through the steering wheel or the entire vehicle. These vibrations become more noticeable at higher speeds.
Uneven Tire Wear or “Cupping”: Worn wheel bearings can alter the vehicle’s alignment, leading to uneven tire wear. The tires may exhibit a “cupped” or scalloped pattern, where the edges of the tread are worn more than the center.
Loose or Wobbly Wheel: If the bearing has excessive play, it can cause the wheel to wobble or feel loose when grasped. This can compromise stability and handling.
| Symptom | Possible Cause |
|---|---|
| Loud, grinding noise | Worn bearings, damaged races, lack of lubrication |
| Excessive heat | Friction due to worn bearings, binding or misalignment |
| Vibration | Damaged bearings, loose components, improper installation |
| Uneven tire wear | Misalignment caused by worn bearings, suspension problems |
| Loose or wobbly wheel | Excessive bearing play, insecure mounting |
Gathering Necessary Tools and Parts
### Essential Tools:
1. Lug wrench: Used to loosen and tighten lug nuts.
2. Floor jack and jack stands: To safely lift the vehicle and secure it while working.
3. Socket wrench set with appropriate sockets and extensions: For removing bolts and nuts.
4. Torque wrench: To properly tighten bolts and nuts to specified torque values.
5. Pry bar or flathead screwdriver: To pry off the wheel bearing hub.
6. Bearing puller: Specialized tool for extracting the old bearing from the hub.
7. Bearing packer: Tool for packing grease evenly into the new bearing.
### Necessary Parts:
1. Replacement wheel bearing assembly: Ensure it’s the correct size and type for your vehicle.
2. New hub seal: The seal prevents grease from leaking and protects the bearing from contamination.
3. Grease: Use premium-quality wheel bearing grease designed for high-temperature applications.
4. Lock washers (if applicable): Ensure proper tightening of bolts or nuts.
5. Thread locker: Optional but recommended to prevent bolts or nuts from loosening due to vibration.
| Tool | Description |
|---|---|
| Bearing puller | Specialized tool for extracting the old bearing from the hub. |
| Bearing packer | Tool for packing grease evenly into the new bearing. |
Safety Precautions and Preparation
Safety Precautions
Before embarking on this task, it is imperative to prioritize safety. Engage the parking brake to prevent unintended vehicle movement. Use jack stands or a lift to elevate the vehicle, ensuring a stable and secure work surface. Wear appropriate eye protection to safeguard against debris or particles. Additionally, gloves are recommended to protect your hands from grease and sharp edges.
Preparation
Gathering Tools and Materials
Before commencing the repair, gather the necessary tools and materials. These typically include:
- New wheel bearings
- Socket wrench with appropriate sockets
- Jack stands or a lift
- Pry bar
- Hammer
- Torque wrench
- Eye protection
- Gloves
Removing the Wheel and Brake Caliper
To replace the wheel bearings, it is necessary to remove the wheel and brake caliper. Follow these steps:
- Use a lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts but do not remove them completely.
- Jack up the vehicle and secure it using jack stands.
- Remove the lug nuts and take off the wheel.
- Unbolt and remove the brake caliper from the hub.
- Suspend the caliper using a wire or bungee cord to prevent damage to the brake line.
Removing the Wheel and Brake Assembly
Once the vehicle has been lifted, secure it in place with jack stands. Next, remove the lug nuts securing the wheel and lift the wheel off the hub.
If the brake caliper is in the way, it may need to be removed or temporarily loosened. To remove the caliper, remove the bolts holding it to the caliper bracket and lift it away from the rotor. If loosening the caliper is enough, simply loosen the bolts and slide the caliper out of the way.
Removing the Brake Rotor
Depending on the vehicle, you may need to remove the brake rotor to access the wheel bearing. Here are the steps to remove the brake rotor:
- Locate the two bolts that hold the rotor to the hub.
- Use a socket wrench to loosen the bolts, but do not remove them completely.
- Tap the rotor lightly with a hammer to break it loose from the hub.
- Once the rotor is loose, remove the bolts completely.
- Slide the rotor off the hub.
| Car Make | Number of Bolts |
|---|---|
| Ford | 2 |
| Chevrolet | 2 |
| Toyota | 4 |
| Honda | 2 |
Removing the Wheel Bearing Hub
Now that the brake caliper, rotor, and hub nut have been removed, you can proceed to remove the wheel bearing hub. This can be done by using a slide hammer or a puller. If you are using a slide hammer, place the slide hammer’s jaws around the hub and then strike the slide hammer’s weight with a hammer. This will cause the hub to be pulled off of the axle.
If you are using a puller, attach the puller’s jaws to the hub and then turn the puller’s screw. This will cause the hub to be pulled off of the axle.
Once the hub has been removed, you can inspect it for any damage. If the hub is damaged, it will need to be replaced. You can now proceed to replace the wheel bearing.
Here are some additional tips for removing the wheel bearing hub:
Use a penetrating oil to loosen any rusted bolts or nuts.
Be careful not to damage the axle when removing the hub.
If you are having difficulty removing the hub, you can try using a pry bar to help you.
Once the hub has been removed, clean the axle and the hub mating surface before installing the new bearing.
The following table provides a summary of the steps involved in removing the wheel bearing hub:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Remove the brake caliper, rotor, and hub nut. |
| 2 | Attach the slide hammer or puller to the hub. |
| 3 | Strike the slide hammer’s weight or turn the puller’s screw to remove the hub from the axle. |
| 4 | Inspect the hub for any damage. |
| 5 | Clean the axle and the hub mating surface before installing the new bearing. |
Replacing the Wheel Bearing
Replacing a wheel bearing is a moderately complex task, but it can be completed with the right tools and a bit of know-how.
Tools Needed:
- Jack and jack stands
- Socket wrench
- Hammer
- Punch
- Bearing puller
- Bearing press
Steps:
1. Safety first: Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
2. Lift the vehicle: Use a jack to raise the vehicle and secure it with jack stands.
3. Remove the wheel: Use a socket wrench to loosen the lug nuts and remove the wheel.
4. Remove the brake caliper: Unbolt the brake caliper and hang it out of the way with a wire or bungee cord.
5. Remove the rotor: Use a punch to knock the rotor loose from the hub.
6. Remove the old bearing: Use a bearing puller to remove the old bearing from the hub.
Be sure to select the correct bearing puller. There are different types of bearing pullers available, so it is important to choose the one that is specifically designed for the type of bearing you are removing.
Be careful not to damage the hub. When using the bearing puller, be careful not to damage the hub. The hub is a delicate piece of metal, and it can be easily damaged if you are not careful.
Use a slide hammer to remove the bearing. A slide hammer is a tool that can be used to remove bearings. It is a relatively simple tool to use, and it can be very effective at removing bearings.
7. Inspect the hub: Examine the hub for any damage. If there is any damage, it will need to be repaired before the new bearing can be installed.
8. Install the new bearing: Use a bearing press to install the new bearing into the hub.
9. Replace the rotor: Place the rotor back onto the hub and tighten the bolts.
10. Replace the brake caliper: Bolt the brake caliper back into place.
11. Replace the wheel: Put the wheel back on and tighten the lug nuts.
12. Lower the vehicle: Slowly lower the vehicle to the ground.
13. Torque the lug nuts: Use a torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts to the specified torque.
Reassembling the Wheel Bearing Hub
With the new bearing securely in place, it’s time to reassemble the wheel bearing hub. Ensure the proper alignment of the hub’s components to guarantee smooth operation.
Here’s a detailed guide to reassembling the wheel bearing hub:
1. Install the Inner Seal
Insert the new inner seal into the bearing hub. Make sure it’s facing the correct direction and sits flush against the hub.
2. Place the Wheel Bearing
Carefully place the new wheel bearing inside the hub, ensuring it aligns properly with the inner seal.
3. Install the Outer Seal
Slip the outer seal over the wheel bearing, ensuring it sits flush against the bearing hub’s outer edge.
4. Lubricate the Components
Apply a thin layer of wheel bearing grease to the inner and outer seals, as well as the wheel bearing itself.
5. Install the Magnetic Ring (if applicable)
If your vehicle has an anti-lock braking system (ABS), install the magnetic ring (also known as a tone ring) over the outer seal and secure it with the provided bolts or clips.
6. Install the Hub Assembly
Carefully lift the hub assembly and align it with the wheel’s mounting points. Secure the hub with the appropriate lug nuts and tighten them to the specified torque.
7. Tighten and Torque the Lug Nuts
Using a torque wrench, tighten the lug nuts evenly and gradually, following a star pattern. Tighten them to the specified torque for your vehicle to ensure proper wheel attachment and prevent premature bearing failure.
8. Install the Wheel
Place the wheel onto the hub and secure it with the wheel nuts. Tighten the wheel nuts using a torque wrench to the specified torque.
9. Check Brakes and Tire Pressure
After reassembling the wheel bearing hub, ensure that the brakes are operating correctly and the tire pressure is at the recommended level.
Installing the Brake Assembly and Wheel
Once the hub assembly is installed, it’s time to reassemble the brake components and reinstall the wheel.
8. Reinstall the Brake Caliper and Rotor
- Apply a thin layer of brake grease to the back of the brake pads.
- Align the caliper over the rotor and slide it into place.
- Tighten the caliper bolts to the specified torque.
- Install the brake caliper bracket (if applicable).
**Torque Specifications for Caliper Bolts:**
| Vehicle | Torque (ft-lbs) |
|---|---|
| GM | 80-120 |
| Ford | 100-140 |
| Toyota | 60-90 |
**Additional Tips:**
- Use new caliper bolts if the old ones are rusty or damaged.
- Clean the caliper mounting surfaces before installation.
- Ensure the brake pads are properly seated in the caliper.
- After reassembly, pump the brake pedal several times to restore brake pressure.
Tightening and Torquing Specifications
Following the bearing replacement process, it is crucial to ensure proper tightening and torquing of the wheel bearings and related components. Accurate torque values are essential for optimal performance, safety, and longevity of the wheel assembly.
Hub Nut Tightening
The hub nut should be tightened to the specified torque using a torque wrench. Refer to the vehicle manufacturer’s specifications for the exact torque value applicable to your vehicle. Typically, torque values range from 175 to 250 foot-pounds.
Axle Nut Tightening
Similar to the hub nut, the axle nut should be tightened to the specified torque. However, the torque value for the axle nut may differ from that of the hub nut. It is important to consult the vehicle’s service manual for the correct torque value for the axle nut.
Bearing Preload Adjustment
For some vehicles, especially those with four-wheel drive or manual locking hubs, it is necessary to adjust the bearing preload after tightening the hub nut and axle nut. This is done by rotating the wheel while observing the resistance. The desired preload varies depending on the vehicle and bearing type, typically ranging from 0.001 to 0.003 inches of end play.
The following table provides a general guideline for tightening and torquing specifications:
| Component | Torque Value (ft-lbs) |
|---|---|
| Hub Nut | 175-250 |
| Axle Nut | TBD (Consult Manufacturer’s Specifications) |
| Bearing Preload Adjustment | 0.001-0.003 inches End Play |
Post-Replacement Maintenance and Checks
After replacing your wheel bearings, it’s important to follow certain maintenance and inspection procedures to ensure proper functionality and longevity.
1. Tightness Checks
Ensure the wheel bearings are adequately tightened by performing periodic checks. Overtightening can lead to premature failure, while undertightening can result in play and instability.
Use a torque wrench to ensure proper tightness according to the vehicle’s specifications. Refer to the table below for typical torque ranges:
| Vehicle Type | Bearing Torque Range |
|---|---|
| Sedan/Small SUV | 75-120 lb-ft |
| Mid-Size SUV/Truck | 120-180 lb-ft |
| Heavy-Duty Truck/Van | 180-250 lb-ft |
2. Grease Replenishment
Replenish the grease in the bearings periodically by removing the dust cap and injecting new grease. This lubricates the contact surfaces and helps protect against wear and corrosion.
3. Visual Inspection
Inspect the bearings, hubs, and surrounding components for any signs of damage or wear. Look for excessive play, cracks, or pitting, which may indicate the need for further inspection or replacement.
4. Noise Monitoring
Listen for unusual noises coming from the wheels while driving. Grinding, squeaking, or humming sounds can indicate bearing problems and should be addressed promptly.
5. Vibration Assessment
Check for any unusual vibrations or wobbles in the steering wheel, seats, or floorboard. Excessive vibrations can be a symptom of loose or damaged bearings and require attention.
6. Wheel Alignment
Ensure proper wheel alignment to prevent uneven tire wear and potential strain on wheel bearings. Misalignment can lead to premature bearing failure.
7. Tire Rotation
Regular tire rotation helps distribute wear evenly across all four tires, reducing the potential for overloading and uneven forces on wheel bearings.
8. Vehicle Inspection
Schedule a comprehensive vehicle inspection, including a thorough examination of wheel bearings, at regular intervals or as recommended by the manufacturer.
9. Load Capacity
Do not exceed the vehicle’s recommended load capacity. Overloading can put undue stress on wheel bearings and lead to failure.
10. Further Maintenance
Consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual or a qualified mechanic for specific maintenance guidelines and additional recommendations regarding wheel bearing care and replacement.
How To Replace Wheel Bearings
Replacing wheel bearings is a common repair that can be done at home with the right tools and knowledge. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
1. Safety first: Park your car on a level surface and engage the parking brake. Chock the wheels that will not be worked on.
2. Remove the wheel: Use a lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts on the wheel that has the bad bearing. Lift the car with a jack and place a jack stand under it for safety.
3. Remove the brake caliper: The brake caliper is held in place by two bolts. Remove the bolts and carefully lift the caliper off the rotor. Do not let the caliper hang by the brake hose.
4. Remove the rotor: The rotor is held in place by a single bolt. Remove the bolt and pull the rotor straight off the wheel hub.
5. Remove the wheel bearing: The wheel bearing is pressed into the wheel hub. Use a bearing puller to remove it.
6. Install the new wheel bearing: Press the new wheel bearing into the wheel hub using a bearing installer.
7. Reassemble the brake components: Install the rotor, brake caliper, and lug nuts. Tighten the lug nuts to the specified torque.
8. Lower the car: Remove the jack stand and lower the car to the ground.
9. Test drive the car: Drive the car for a short distance to test the new wheel bearing.
People Also Ask About How To Replace Wheel Bearings
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, as well as the cost of labor in your area. In general, you can expect to pay between $100 and $300 per wheel.
How long does it take to replace a wheel bearing?
Replacing a wheel bearing typically takes between 1 and 3 hours, depending on the experience of the mechanic and the difficulty of the job.
Can I replace a wheel bearing myself?
Yes, it is possible to replace a wheel bearing yourself if you have the right tools and knowledge. However, it is important to note that this is a moderately difficult repair, and it is best left to a qualified mechanic if you are not comfortable working on your own car.
