General Steps (Professional Assistance Highly Recommended):
1. Safety First: Secure the vehicle on jack stands. Disconnect the battery's negative terminal.
2. Brake System: You'll need to remove the brake caliper and rotor. This involves removing the caliper bolts, carefully supporting the caliper (to avoid damaging the brake line), and then removing the rotor. The rotor may be held on by corrosion, requiring penetrating oil and possibly a slide hammer to remove.
3. Axle Nut: The axle nut is typically very tight. You'll need a very strong impact wrench or a breaker bar with a long extension to remove it. This is often the hardest part for inexperienced mechanics. Consider using an air impact wrench.
4. Axle Flange: Once the nut is off, the axle flange may still be stubborn due to rust or corrosion. Penetrating oil is your friend here.
5. Hub Removal: This is where the shop press comes in. The hub is likely pressed onto the axle. Trying to beat it off can damage the axle or the hub. A press applies even pressure to remove it safely.
6. Bearing Removal: Once the hub is removed, the wheel bearings need to be removed and inspected. These will likely need replacing.
7. Installation: Reassembly is the reverse process of removal. Remember to torque everything to the manufacturer's specifications. This includes the axle nut which is crucial for wheel bearing life and safety.
Tools You'll Likely Need:
* Jack and jack stands
* Wheel chocks
* Socket set (metric)
* Impact wrench (highly recommended)
* Breaker bar
* Penetrating oil
* Shop press
* Wheel bearing removal and installation tools
* Torque wrench
* Possibly a slide hammer
* Caliper support tool
Again, this is a complex job. Improperly removing or reinstalling the hub can lead to serious damage, including:
* Damaged axle
* Damaged wheel bearings
* Loss of wheel control
* Accidents
Consider the cost of professional repair. The cost of the tools alone can exceed the cost of professional labor, especially considering that most of the steps require specialized equipment. A professional mechanic has the expertise and tools to do this safely and efficiently. Save yourself the potential headache and potential danger, and take your car to a qualified mechanic.
