The following steps are a general overview and will vary significantly depending on the make, model, and year of your vehicle. Always consult your vehicle's repair manual for specific instructions and torque specifications. Failing to do so could damage your vehicle.
Tools You'll Likely Need:
* Jack and jack stands: Essential for safely lifting the vehicle.
* Wheel chocks: To prevent the vehicle from rolling.
* Lug wrench: To remove the wheel.
* Impact wrench (recommended): Makes removing axle nuts much easier. A breaker bar and a lot of muscle can work as well, but an impact wrench is strongly preferred.
* Socket set: Various sizes to fit your vehicle's fasteners.
* Wheel bearing puller: Specialized tool for removing the bearing.
* Bearing race and seal installer/remover: To remove and install the bearing races and seals (often integrated tools).
* Torque wrench: Absolutely crucial for tightening axle nuts and other components to the manufacturer's specifications.
* Penetrating oil: To help loosen rusted or seized fasteners.
* Clean rags and shop towels: To keep things clean.
* New wheel bearing and seal: Get the correct part for your vehicle.
* Grease: Appropriate grease for your wheel bearing.
General Steps (Highly Vehicle-Specific):
1. Safety First: Park on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and use wheel chocks on the wheels that remain on the ground. Wear safety glasses.
2. Lift and Secure: Safely lift the vehicle using a jack and secure it with jack stands under the frame, *never* under the axle.
3. Remove the Wheel: Remove the lug nuts and take off the wheel.
4. Remove Brake Caliper and Rotor (Usually): You'll typically need to remove the brake caliper and rotor to access the bearing. Support the caliper with a wire or bungee cord to prevent it from hanging on the brake line.
5. Remove Axle Nut: This is often very tight and may require an impact wrench.
6. Disconnect Axle: This step varies greatly depending on the vehicle. You might need to remove the axle shaft or hub assembly from the vehicle.
7. Remove the Old Bearing and Races: This is where the bearing puller is essential. The races are usually pressed into the hub or axle housing.
8. Clean Thoroughly: Clean the hub and axle housing thoroughly to remove any debris or old grease.
9. Install New Bearing and Races: Use the appropriate tools to install the new bearing and races. Pay close attention to the correct orientation.
10. Pack with Grease: Pack the new bearing with the correct type and amount of grease.
11. Reassemble: Reinstall the axle, rotor, caliper, wheel, and lug nuts in reverse order of removal. Tighten the axle nut to the manufacturer's specified torque.
12. Lower Vehicle: Carefully lower the vehicle.
13. Torque Lug Nuts: Tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer's specified torque.
Again, this is a very general overview. The specific steps and tools required will depend heavily on your vehicle. Consult your vehicle's repair manual for detailed, accurate instructions. Attempting this repair without the proper knowledge and tools can lead to damage to your vehicle and personal injury. If you are not comfortable with this level of repair, take your vehicle to a professional mechanic.
