Before You Begin:
* Safety First: Jack up the vehicle securely on jack stands, never rely solely on a jack. Disconnect the battery's negative terminal. Wear safety glasses and gloves.
* Gather Tools and Parts: You'll need a jack, jack stands, wheel chocks, socket set, wrenches (including potentially a large breaker bar), a hammer, a pry bar, a bearing race installer/remover (highly recommended), a new wheel bearing, new seal, possibly new axle nut, and grease. Your repair manual will specify the correct parts.
* Repair Manual: This is crucial. It will show you the specific steps, torque specifications, and any special tools required for your vehicle.
General Steps (May Vary Significantly):
1. Remove the Wheel: Loosen the lug nuts while the wheel is still on the ground. Jack up the vehicle, place it on jack stands, and remove the wheel.
2. Remove the Brake Caliper and Rotor (or Drum): Depending on your vehicle's braking system (disc or drum), you'll need to remove the brake caliper assembly (and possibly hang it with a wire to avoid stressing the brake line) and then remove the rotor or drum. The process varies depending on the design.
3. Remove the Axle Nut: This often requires a significant amount of torque. You may need a breaker bar or impact wrench. Mark the nut's position relative to the axle before removing it to ensure proper reinstallation.
4. Remove the Hub Assembly: This usually involves removing cotter pins and possibly other fasteners holding the hub to the axle. Some vehicles require separating the axle shaft from the hub.
5. Remove the Old Bearing and Seal: This is where a bearing race remover is essential. You'll need to carefully remove the old bearing races from the hub and axle. The old seal can usually be pried out with a screwdriver or specialized seal puller. Be careful not to damage the hub or axle during this step.
6. Install the New Seal: Carefully install the new seal, ensuring it sits flush. A seal installer is often helpful.
7. Install the New Bearing: Use a bearing race installer to carefully install the new bearing races onto the hub and axle. Make sure they're seated correctly and evenly.
8. Reassemble: Reverse the disassembly process, carefully reinstalling the hub assembly, rotor or drum, brake caliper, wheel, and lug nuts. Tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer's specified torque.
9. Torque Specifications: This is critical. Incorrect torque can damage components or lead to failure. Refer to your repair manual for the correct torque specifications for all fasteners, particularly the axle nut.
10. Test: Lower the vehicle, and test the wheel for play or unusual noises. If you hear any noises or feel play, you may have missed a step or installed something incorrectly.
Important Considerations:
* ABS Sensors: If your vehicle has Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), you'll likely need to deal with the ABS sensor during the process. Consult your repair manual carefully.
* Professional Help: If you're not comfortable with this task or lack the proper tools and experience, it's best to take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic. Improperly installed wheel bearings can lead to serious accidents.
* Pre-Loaded Bearings: Many modern vehicles utilize pre-loaded bearings, meaning specific adjustments and measurements are required during installation. Failure to properly adjust preload can severely shorten the bearing life or lead to failure.
This is a simplified overview. The specific steps and required tools will depend heavily on your vehicle. Always refer to your vehicle's repair manual before attempting this repair. Improper installation can lead to serious safety hazards.
