Tools You'll Likely Need:
* Repair Manual: Absolutely essential for specific torque specs, procedures, and component identification.
* Jack and Jack Stands: Safety first! Never work under a car supported only by a jack.
* Wheel Chocks: Prevent the car from rolling.
* Lug Wrench: To remove the wheel.
* Wheel Hub Nut Socket: Often a large, deep socket. The size will be in your repair manual.
* Impact Wrench (highly recommended): Makes removing the hub nut significantly easier. A breaker bar and a lot of muscle can work, but an impact wrench is much safer and faster.
* Ball Joint Separator: To separate the ball joint from the control arm.
* Various Wrenches and Sockets: Sizes will vary depending on your car.
* Pry Bar: May be needed to help separate components.
* Penetrating Oil (PB Blaster or similar): To help loosen rusted or seized parts.
* New Wheel Bearings (and any related seals or ABS sensors if needed): Make sure you get the correct part number for your vehicle.
* Press or Bearing Separator: Often required to remove and install the bearings. A press is ideal, but a separator tool can work.
* Torque Wrench: Essential for tightening bolts to the correct specifications.
* Clean rags and degreaser: For cleaning parts.
* Safety Glasses and Gloves: Protect yourself.
General Steps (Consult your repair manual for specifics):
1. Safety First: Secure the vehicle on level ground using jack stands and wheel chocks. Disconnect the negative battery terminal.
2. Remove the Wheel: Loosen the lug nuts, jack up the car, secure it on jack stands, and remove the wheel.
3. Remove the Brake Caliper: Unbolt the caliper and either hang it from the suspension or secure it out of the way using a bungee cord or wire. Be careful not to damage the brake line.
4. Disconnect the ABS Sensor (if applicable): Your repair manual will show you how to safely disconnect the ABS sensor if your vehicle has one.
5. Remove the Rotor: Remove the rotor (brake disc). Sometimes it's held on by bolts, sometimes it's just pressed on; your manual will tell you.
6. Disconnect the Ball Joint: Use the ball joint separator to separate the lower ball joint from the control arm.
7. Remove the Hub Nut: This is often very tight. Use an impact wrench if possible.
8. Remove the Axle Nut (if applicable): Depending on the design, there may be another nut securing the axle to the hub.
9. Remove the Hub Assembly: Once everything is disconnected, you should be able to remove the entire hub assembly.
10. Press Out the Old Bearing: This usually requires a press or specialized bearing removal tool.
11. Press In the New Bearing: Carefully press the new bearing into the hub using a press. Ensure it's seated correctly.
12. Reassembly: Reassemble everything in reverse order, paying close attention to torque specifications from your repair manual. This includes the hub nut, ball joint, caliper, rotor, and wheel.
13. Test Drive: After reassembly, test drive the vehicle carefully to ensure the repair was successful.
Important Considerations:
* ABS Sensor: If your car has an ABS sensor, be very careful not to damage it during the process. It's usually a fragile component.
* Torque Specifications: Using the correct torque values is crucial. Incorrect torque can lead to premature bearing failure or other damage.
* Pressing Bearings: If you don't have a press, it's highly recommended you take the hub assembly to a professional mechanic for bearing replacement. Damaging the new bearing during installation is easy.
This is a complex procedure. If you are not comfortable working on your car, it is best to take it to a qualified mechanic. Improper repair could lead to serious safety risks. Always prioritize safety.
