Tools and Materials Needed:
- Floor jack and jack stands
- Lug wrench
- Socket set
- Torque wrench
- Flat-head screwdriver
- Pry bar
- Replacement front wheel hub assembly
- New cotter pin (if necessary)
Procedure:
1. Prepare the Vehicle:
- Engage the parking brake and chock the rear wheels to prevent the vehicle from rolling.
2. Loosen Lug Nuts:
- Loosen the lug nuts on the affected wheel, but do not remove them completely.
3. Raise the Vehicle:
- Use a floor jack to lift the front of the vehicle until the affected wheel is off the ground.
- Secure the vehicle using jack stands for safety.
4. Remove the Wheel:
- Unscrew the lug nuts completely and remove the wheel.
5. Remove the Brake Caliper:
- Use a wrench to loosen the bolts holding the brake caliper.
- Carefully lift and remove the caliper without disconnecting the brake line.
- Use a piece of wire to hang the caliper out of the way without straining the brake line.
6. Remove the Brake Rotor:
- Locate the two bolts holding the brake rotor in place. These are usually located behind the caliper.
- Use a wrench to loosen and remove the bolts.
- Remove the brake rotor.
7. Remove the Hub Assembly:
- Use a pry bar to carefully pry off the dust cap from the hub assembly.
- Remove the cotter pin or cotter key (if applicable) from the spindle nut castle nut.
- Use a socket wrench to loosen and remove the large spindle nut.
- Using the pry bar, carefully pry off the old wheel hub assembly from the spindle.
8. Install the New Hub Assembly:
- Slide the new hub assembly onto the spindle.
- Reinstall the spindle nut and tighten it until it seats snugly.
- Insert a new cotter pin or cotter key (if applicable).
9. Reattach the Brake Rotor:
- Reinstall the brake rotor onto the wheel hub.
- Secure it with the two bolts you removed earlier.
10. Reattach the Brake Caliper:
- Reposition the brake caliper onto the rotor and secure it using the bolts you removed earlier.
11. Reinstall the Wheel:
- Place the wheel back onto the hub and reinstall the lug nuts.
12. Lower the Vehicle:
- Slowly lower the vehicle until it's back on the ground.
- Remove the jack stands.
13. Tighten the Lug Nuts:
- Tighten the lug nuts using a crosswise pattern to ensure proper lug seating and even torque distribution.
14. Check Brake Fluid:
- Make sure the brake fluid level is adequate. If necessary, top it off.
15. Test Drive:
- Take the vehicle for a short and cautious test drive to ensure proper operation and braking.
Note:
If you encounter any difficulties during the process, it's recommended to refer to the vehicle's service manual or seek assistance from a qualified mechanic.
