Here's a general overview of the steps involved. This is not a complete guide and should be supplemented with a repair manual:
Tools You'll Need (at a minimum):
* Jack and jack stands: Absolutely essential for safety. Never work under a car supported only by a jack.
* Wheel chocks: To secure the rear wheels.
* Lug wrench: To remove the wheel.
* Socket set and wrenches: Various sizes, including metric.
* Ball joint separator: To separate the ball joint from the control arm.
* Tie rod end separator: To separate the tie rod end from the steering knuckle.
* Hammer and punch (or drift): Possibly needed for stubborn components.
* Penetrating oil: To help loosen rusted or seized bolts.
* Torque wrench: Crucial for proper tightening of bolts to prevent damage.
* Wheel bearing press: Highly recommended for proper bearing installation. Improper installation with a hammer can damage the bearing.
* New front wheel bearings and seals: Make sure you get the correct parts for your vehicle.
* Clean rags and shop towels: For cleaning parts and preventing contamination.
* Grease: For lubricating the new bearing.
General Steps (Refer to your repair manual for specifics):
1. Safety First: Park on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and chock the rear wheels. Raise the front of the car securely using the jack and jack stands.
2. Remove the Wheel: Remove the lug nuts and take off the wheel.
3. Disconnect Brake Caliper: Carefully remove the brake caliper and secure it out of the way using a bungee cord or wire. Be mindful of the brake lines.
4. Disconnect Tie Rod End: Use a tie rod end separator to separate the tie rod end from the steering knuckle.
5. Disconnect Ball Joint: Use a ball joint separator to separate the ball joint from the control arm.
6. Remove the Hub Assembly: This often involves removing several bolts securing the hub assembly to the steering knuckle. This is where a repair manual’s diagrams are crucial.
7. Remove the Old Bearing: This typically requires pressing the old bearing out of the hub assembly. A wheel bearing press is the best tool for this. A slide hammer might work, but care is needed to avoid damage.
8. Clean and Inspect: Thoroughly clean the hub assembly and inspect it for damage.
9. Install New Bearing: Use a wheel bearing press to install the new bearing into the hub assembly. Again, hammering can damage the bearing.
10. Install New Seals: Install any necessary new seals.
11. Reassemble: Reassemble the hub assembly, paying attention to the order and tightness of all components.
12. Reconnect Components: Reconnect the ball joint, tie rod end, and brake caliper.
13. Torque Specifications: Use a torque wrench to tighten all bolts to the manufacturer's specifications (found in your repair manual).
14. Lower the Vehicle: Carefully lower the vehicle to the ground.
15. Install Wheel: Install the wheel and tighten the lug nuts to the proper torque specification.
16. Test Drive: Test drive the vehicle to ensure everything is working correctly.
Important Considerations:
* Rust and seized components: Penetrating oil is your friend. Allow ample time for it to work. Excessive force can cause damage.
* Torque specifications: Using the correct torque is vital. Too tight and you'll damage components; too loose and parts will become loose or fail.
* Bearing type: Some vehicles use different types of wheel bearings (e.g., sealed units versus serviceable units). Your repair manual will specify the correct type for your car.
This is a simplified overview. A detailed repair manual is absolutely necessary to complete this job safely and correctly. If you lack experience with this type of repair, consider taking your vehicle to a qualified mechanic. Improperly installed wheel bearings can be dangerous.
