1. Safety First:
* Safety Glasses: Protect your eyes from flying debris.
* Gloves: Protect your hands from grease and sharp edges.
* Jack Stands: Never work under a car supported only by a jack. Use jack stands for stability.
* Wheel Chocks: Secure the other wheels to prevent the car from rolling.
2. Assessment:
Before you begin, carefully inspect the hub assembly. Loose nuts on *both* sides indicate a problem. This could be:
* Damaged Hub: The hub itself might be damaged, making removal difficult or even impossible without replacement.
* Improper Previous Removal/Installation: Someone may have damaged the bearings or seals during a previous attempt.
* Corrosion/Rust: Rust can seize components, making removal extremely difficult.
3. Tools You'll Need:
* Wheel Wrench: To remove the wheel.
* Socket Set: Various sizes, including the correct size for the axle nut(s). You might need deep sockets.
* Hammer: Possibly a rubber mallet.
* Pry Bar (or similar): For prying parts loose (use carefully!).
* Penetrating Oil (PB Blaster or similar): To loosen rusted or seized parts.
* Bearing Puller (or a large C-clamp): This is essential for removing the bearing race from the hub. The right puller will depend on the specific bearing design.
* Torque Wrench: For proper reinstallation.
* Grease: For repacking the new bearing.
4. Removal Process (Proceed with Caution):
A. Remove the Wheel: Loosen the lug nuts slightly before jacking up the car. Remove the wheel completely.
B. Remove the Axle Nut(s): This is often the largest nut on the hub. Use the correct socket and breaker bar (or impact wrench if you have one). Penetrating oil may be necessary. *Be aware the axle nut may be very tight, especially given that other nuts are loose – This is a warning sign.*
C. Remove the Brake Caliper: Unbolt the caliper and carefully hang it out of the way (tie it up with wire to keep it from hanging by the brake line).
D. Remove the Cotter Pin and Castle Nut: These are usually on the inner side of the hub.
E. Remove the Hub: This is the most difficult part. Given the looseness of the nuts, the bearing may be damaged, making removal challenging. Here's what might be required:
* Gentle Persuasion: Try tapping gently around the hub with a hammer and soft-faced mallet to break any rust or corrosion. Use penetrating oil liberally.
* Bearing Puller: This is the most likely solution. You'll need to use the appropriate puller to remove the bearing races from the hub. This is usually done from the inside.
F. Inspect the Hub and Bearing: Once removed, inspect the hub and the bearing for damage. If the hub is damaged (cracked, bent, or significantly worn), you'll need a replacement. The bearing should spin freely without any roughness or play. Replacement is almost certainly necessary if the nuts were loose.
5. Reassembly:
This involves the reverse steps, but with a crucial difference: you'll be installing a new hub and bearing. Do not attempt to reuse the old bearings.
Important Considerations:
* Press Fit: The bearings are usually press-fit onto the hub and axle. A press is ideal for proper installation, but a vise with the right adapters might work.
* Correct Bearing: Get the correct bearing and seal from a reputable auto parts store. Provide them with your car's VIN for certainty.
* Torque Specs: Use a torque wrench to tighten everything to the manufacturer's specifications. This information is crucial to avoid damaging the components and ensure proper operation.
If you're not comfortable working on this yourself (especially given the pre-existing issues), take your car to a qualified mechanic. Attempting this repair with damaged or loose components can be dangerous and lead to further damage or injury. The risk of a wheel coming off while driving is severe.
