Tools and Materials Needed
- Replacement front wheel bearings and seals (check your vehicle's specific model for the correct part numbers).
- Lug wrench
- Socket set (metric)
- Ratchet
- Screwdriver
- Hammer
- Pliers
- Pry bar
- Grease
- Safety glasses
- A new locking nut (recommended).
Procedure:
1. Safety First: Park your Frontier on a flat, stable surface, and engage the parking brake. Chock the rear wheels to prevent the vehicle from rolling.
2. Loosen the Lug Nuts: Use the lug wrench to loosen (but do not remove) the lug nuts on the affected front wheel.
3. Raise the Vehicle: Safely lift the front end of the vehicle using a floor jack and jack stands. Ensure that the vehicle is securely supported before continuing.
4. Remove the Front Wheel: Remove the lug nuts and take off the wheel.
5. Remove the Brake Caliper: Using a socket set, unbolt the brake caliper from the steering knuckle and carefully set it aside without disconnecting the brake line.
6. Remove the Rotor: The rotor should now be accessible. Remove it by sliding it off the wheel hub.
7. Remove the Spindle Nut: You will see the spindle nut in the center of the wheel hub. Use a socket wrench to loosen and remove it.
8. Pry Out the Bearing: Use a screwdriver and pry bar to carefully pry out the old wheel bearing from the wheel hub. Be cautious not to damage the hub surface.
9. Clean the Hub: Thoroughly clean the wheel hub to remove any debris or old grease.
10. Prepare the New Bearing: Apply a thin layer of high-temperature grease to the new wheel bearing. This helps with lubrication and reduces friction.
11. Install the New Bearing: Carefully place the new wheel bearing into the wheel hub, ensuring it is fully seated.
12. Reinstall the Spindle Nut: Thread the spindle nut back into place and tighten it securely.
13. Reinstall the Brake Rotor: Slide the brake rotor back onto the wheel hub.
14. Reinstall the Brake Caliper: Bolt the brake caliper back onto the steering knuckle.
15. Reinstall the Front Wheel: Put the wheel back on and tighten the lug nuts. Lower the vehicle using the floor jack and remove the jack stands.
16. Test Drive: Take the Frontier for a short drive and test the wheel bearing by turning and making sure there's no unusual noise or vibration.
17. Tighten Lug Nuts: After the test drive, return the vehicle to the same jacked-up position. Tighten the lug nuts to the specified torque using a torque wrench.
18. Replace the Locking Nut: Nissan recommends replacing the spindle nut every time it is removed. To maintain vehicle safety, consider replacing it with a new locking nut if possible.
19. Lower the Vehicle: Carefully lower the vehicle using the floor jack and remove the jack stands.
20. Final Inspection: Double-check all bolts and nuts to ensure they are tightened securely.
Remember, if you're not confident in performing this task or encounter any difficulties, it's advisable to consult a qualified mechanic or refer to a Nissan service manual for your specific vehicle model. Safety should always be the top priority when working on your vehicle.
