How to replace wheel bearing?

Wheel bearings are the mechanical parts that connect the wheel to the hub. If your car's wheel bearings are defective, don't wait to change them. If you don't know how to change your wheel bearings, we'll walk you through the process step-by-step!

Step 1: Park Your Car On Level Ground

Your safety comes first! Before changing your wheel bearings, it's important to park your car on a level surface so it won't slip or lose balance!

Step 2: Block The Wheels With Chocks

Use sturdy wheel chocks to secure the wheels you're not working on. For example, if you're replacing a front wheel bearing, chock both rear wheels.

Step 3: Loosen The Nuts And Remove The Wheel

Take a pair of pliers with a tip that matches the nuts you're going to remove, then unscrew all the nuts from the wheel without removing them completely.

Now take a jack and place it under the wheel to lift the car. Now that your vehicle is fully secured, remove the nuts and tire completely and set them aside.

Step 4: Remove The Brake Caliper

For this step, you'll need a ratchet wrench and socket wrench to remove the bolts holding the caliper in place, and a screwdriver to remove the caliper itself.

• Remove the brake pads with a flathead screwdriver, then remove the central nut on the PTO shaft, locking the disk in place with a large screwdriver.

• To remove the brake caliper

• Hang the brake caliper over a handlebar to avoid obstruction.

• Remove the brake caliper holder.

Be careful not to let the caliper hang down to avoid damaging the brake system hose.

Step 5: Dismantling The Stub Axle

• Using a flathead screwdriver (or a simple screwdriver if the screws are not seized), remove the screws holding the rotor.

• Remove the disk.

• Remove the steering tie rod by loosening the nut.

• Tap the pivot with a hammer to remove the ball joint without damaging the anchoring threads. TIP: If you do not have the proper tool or a ball joint separator, do not tap directly on the ball joint. It is possible to lightly tap the end of the rocket arm to loosen and remove the ball joint.

• Remove the forearm.

• Uncouple the forearm with a tire iron. Make sure the universal joint is free to avoid damaging it.

• Loosen the central nut on the universal joint and remove it from the stub axle.

• Disconnect the ABS sensor from the engine compartment side or from the stub axle side if it is not seized.

• Finish removing the stub axle at the wishbone mounts.

• Remove the stub axle and move it toward the press.

Step 6: Remove Inner Wheel Bearing

• Push the hub straight out of the stub axle.

• Remove the circlip with a pliers. Use a chisel to knock out any binding.

• On the other side, carefully remove the ABS sensor with pliers.

• Finish removing the bearing from the stub using the press.

Step 7: Remove Bearing Rings And Clean Stub Axle

• Clean the bearing seat in the stub axle.

• Clamp the hub in a vice and use a chisel to remove the remaining bearing.

• If it won't come off, use a hacksaw to break it off, then chisel it out. Be careful not to damage the hub!

• Degrease the hub with sandpaper and grease the press-fit parts thoroughly.

Step 8: Install New Wheel Bearing

• Push the bearing straight into the stub axle. Don't go too far or use too much force.

• Replace the bearing circlip and the ABS sensor.

• Thoroughly grease the parts to be press-fitted.

• Grease the hub before pressing it in.

• Press the hub into the stub axle on the inside of the bearing. When done, make sure there is no play.

Step 9: Reassemble The Spindle By Repeating The Disassembly Steps

• The reassembly procedure is identical to the disassembly procedure, but in reverse.
• Reattach the spindle carrier to the lower shock absorber/suspension arm.

• Refit and secure the speed sensor.
• Install the ball joint to the steering tie rod end.
• Tighten the nut to the specified torque.

• Install a new pin.
• After hand tightening the new nut, tighten with a socket wrench to ensure the axle shaft is securely installed in the stop.
• Final tightening to the specified torque is performed when the vehicle is on the ground.

• Replace the brake disk and caliper.
• Replace the wheel and lower the vehicle.

Step 10: Install The Wheel

Finally, reinstall the wheel and tighten the nuts. Lower the car with the jack, remove the wheel chocks... Your wheel bearings are now brand new!

And that's it: now you know how to change your own wheel bearings! If you hear a dull noise when your car is moving, it could be your wheel bearings: don't hesitate to have them checked by a mechanic!