Tools and materials needed:
- Lug wrench
- Jack and jack stands
- Socket wrench set
- Pry bar
- Hammer
- New rear wheel bearing
- Grease
Instructions:
1. Loosen the lug nuts. Use the lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts on the wheel that has the bad bearing. Do not remove the lug nuts completely.
2. Raise the car. Place the jack under the car's frame and raise the car until the tire with the bad bearing is off the ground.
3. Remove the lug nuts and wheel. Use the lug wrench to remove the lug nuts and then take off the wheel.
4. Remove the brake caliper. Use a socket wrench to remove the two bolts that hold the brake caliper in place. Then, remove the brake caliper and hang it out of the way with a piece of wire.
5. Remove the brake rotor. Use a socket wrench to remove the two bolts that hold the brake rotor in place. Then, remove the brake rotor.
6. Disassemble the wheel hub:
a. Remove the outer wheel seal by prying it out with a pry bar and a hammer.
b. Remove the cotter pin and washer from the spindle nut.
c. Use a socket wrench to loosen and remove the spindle nut.
d. The wheel hub should now be loose and can be removed by pulling it straight off the spindle.
7. Remove the old wheel bearing:
a. Use a pry bar and hammer to pry out the old wheel bearing.
b. Clean the bearing seat on the spindle using a wire brush.
8. Install the new wheel bearing:
a. Pack the new wheel bearing with grease.
b. Install the wheel bearing into the bearing seat on the spindle.
9. Reassemble the wheel hub:
a. Replace the spindle nut, washer, and cotter pin.
b. Tighten the spindle nut until the wheel hub is snug against the spindle.
c. Install the outer wheel seal.
10. Reinstall the brake rotor and caliper.
11. Reinstall the wheel and lug nuts.
12. Lower the car.
13. Test drive the car.
Note: If the wheel bearing is still making noise after you have replaced it, it is possible that the spindle is damaged. In this case, you will need to replace the spindle as well.
