Tools You'll Likely Need:
* Wheel Hub Puller: Essential for removing the hub assembly.
* Socket Set: Various sizes, including those for axle nuts and caliper bolts.
* Torque Wrench: Crucial for tightening parts to the manufacturer's specifications.
* Hammer and Punch: For carefully removing and installing components.
* Press (or large clamps): For pressing in the new bearing and seal. A shop press is ideal, but improvisations are possible (but risky without experience).
* Grease: High-quality wheel bearing grease.
* Penetrating Oil (like PB Blaster): To help loosen rusted or seized parts.
* Jack and Jack Stands: For safely lifting the vehicle.
* Wheel Chocks: For added safety.
* New Rear Wheel Bearing(s) and Seal(s): Make sure you get the correct parts for your specific vehicle.
General Steps (Consult your repair manual for precise details):
1. Safety First: Park on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and use wheel chocks on the wheels that remain on the ground. Raise the vehicle safely using a jack and secure it on jack stands.
2. Remove the Wheel: Remove the wheel and tire.
3. Remove the Brake Caliper and Rotor: Remove the caliper bolts and carefully hang the caliper out of the way (using a wire or bungee cord to avoid stressing the brake line). Remove the rotor.
4. Remove the Axle Nut: This is usually very tight. Use a breaker bar and impact wrench if necessary. Mark the nut's position relative to the axle before removal to ensure correct reassembly.
5. Remove the Hub Assembly: This is where the hub puller comes in. Carefully follow the instructions for your specific hub puller. This step can be challenging due to rust and corrosion.
6. Press Out the Old Bearing and Seal: Use a press or large clamps to carefully press out the old wheel bearing and seal from the hub assembly. Be gentle to avoid damaging the hub.
7. Install the New Seal: Carefully install the new seal, ensuring it's seated correctly and evenly. You may need a special tool for this.
8. Press In the New Bearing: Use a press to carefully press in the new wheel bearing. Make sure it's seated correctly and flush.
9. Reassembly: Reassemble everything in the reverse order of disassembly, paying close attention to torque specifications for all bolts and nuts. This includes:
* Installing the hub assembly.
* Tightening the axle nut to the correct torque.
* Reinstalling the rotor and caliper.
* Reinstalling the wheel.
10. Lower the Vehicle: Carefully lower the vehicle from the jack stands.
11. Torque Check and Test Drive: After a short test drive, check the torque on all bolts again.
Important Considerations:
* Rust and Corrosion: On older vehicles, rust and corrosion can make this job significantly more difficult. Penetrating oil can help, but sometimes parts need to be heated carefully or even replaced.
* Bearing Race: Sometimes the bearing race is pressed into the hub, requiring removal and replacement. This adds complexity.
* ABS Sensor: Be careful not to damage the ABS sensor ring (if your vehicle has ABS).
This is a simplified overview. A detailed repair manual is absolutely necessary to perform this job correctly and safely. If you are not comfortable with this level of car repair, it's strongly recommended to take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic. Improperly installed wheel bearings can lead to catastrophic failure, resulting in accidents and injury.
