Here's a general overview of the process. Remember, this is a simplified guide and may vary slightly depending on your specific Intrepid's trim level and options:
1. Preparation:
* Safety First: Jack up the vehicle securely using jack stands. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack. Disconnect the negative battery terminal.
* Gather Tools: You'll need a jack, jack stands, wheel chocks, lug wrench, socket set (metric), torque wrench, ball joint separator, hammer, pry bar, penetrating oil, grease, possibly a press (depending on bearing type and your comfort level), and the new wheel bearing.
* Consult your repair manual: This step is crucial. The manual will give you specific torque specs and details relevant to your car.
2. Wheel Removal:
* Loosen the lug nuts before jacking up the car.
* Remove the wheel.
3. Brake Caliper Removal:
* Use a C-clamp or a brake caliper compression tool to compress the brake caliper piston.
* Secure the caliper out of the way using a bungee cord or wire. Don't let the brake line hang freely.
4. Rotor Removal (if necessary): Some Intrepids may require rotor removal to access the bearing.
5. Hub Assembly Removal:
* This is often the most challenging part. You may need to use a ball joint separator to separate the ball joint from the control arm.
* Remove any cotter pins, nuts, and bolts securing the hub assembly to the knuckle. Penetrating oil might be necessary.
* Carefully remove the hub assembly.
6. Bearing Removal:
* The old bearing is usually pressed onto the hub. This often requires a press. If you don't have a press, you might be able to carefully drive it out using a hammer and a suitable drift punch or socket, working from the inside out (be extremely careful not to damage the hub). Again, your repair manual will offer the best guidance.
7. Bearing Installation:
* Install the new bearing using a press if possible. Pressing ensures even and proper seating, preventing premature failure. Improper installation is a common cause of bearing failure.
* If you don't have a press, you may attempt to carefully tap the new bearing into place, ensuring even pressure.
8. Reassembly:
* Reinstall the hub assembly, ensuring everything is properly seated and torqued to the specifications in your repair manual. This includes the ball joint, nuts, and bolts.
* Reinstall the rotor (if removed).
* Reinstall the brake caliper and bleed the brakes if necessary.
* Reinstall the wheel and tighten the lug nuts to the proper torque specification.
* Lower the vehicle.
9. Final Check:
* Double-check all bolts and nuts for tightness.
* Test drive the vehicle to ensure everything is working correctly and the bearing is quiet.
Disclaimer: This is a simplified guide. Improper repair can lead to serious injury or damage. If you are not comfortable performing this repair, take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic. Always consult your repair manual for detailed instructions and torque specifications specific to your 1997 Dodge Intrepid. The information provided here is for educational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice.
