1. Gather Tools and Supplies:
- Replacement front wheel bearings (2)
- Bearing press or heavy-duty socket and hammer
- Ball joint separator
- Jack and jack stands
- Socket and wrench set
- Pry bar
- Safety goggles
- Gloves
2. Safety First:
- Ensure the vehicle is parked on a level, stable surface.
- Engage the parking brake and chock the rear wheels.
- Use jack stands to support the vehicle securely while working underneath it.
3. Remove the Wheel:
- Use a lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts on the front wheel.
- Use the jack to raise the vehicle and remove the wheel completely.
4. Remove the Brake Caliper:
- Remove the bolts that hold the brake caliper in place.
- Carefully remove the brake caliper and hang it securely on a piece of wire to avoid straining the brake line.
5. Remove the Caliper Bracket:
- Remove the bolts that attach the caliper bracket to the steering knuckle.
- You might need to use a pry bar to loosen the bracket.
6. Remove the Rotor:
- Slide off the brake rotor from the hub. It may be necessary to use a pry bar to break the rotor free.
7. Remove the Wheel Hub Assembly:
- Remove the bolts that secure the wheel hub assembly to the steering knuckle.
- Separate the steering knuckle from the wheel hub assembly using a ball joint separator.
- Pull out the wheel hub assembly carefully.
8. Separate the Wheel Bearing:
- The wheel bearing is integrated into the wheel hub assembly and typically consists of an outer bearing and an inner bearing.
- Use the bearing press or the heavy-duty socket and hammer to separate the outer bearing from the hub assembly.
- Then, use the same technique to separate the inner bearing from the hub.
9. Install the New Bearings:
- Place the new inner bearing into the hub assembly and press it in firmly using the bearing press or the heavy-duty socket and hammer.
- Repeat the process with the new outer bearing.
10. Reassemble Everything:
- Reattach the wheel hub assembly to the steering knuckle and secure it using the bolts.
- Reinstall the rotor, caliper bracket, and brake caliper.
- Put the wheel back on and secure the lug nuts.
11. Test the Repair:
- Lower the vehicle and remove the jack stands.
- Test the front wheel by rotating it freely and checking for any unusual noise or resistance.
12. Recheck Tightness:
- After a short test drive, recheck the tightness of the lug nuts and any bolts you loosened during the repair.
Remember, this is just a general guide. If you're not comfortable performing these steps or if your car has a different model or variation, it's advisable to consult with a trusted mechanic or refer to a vehicle-specific repair manual for precise instructions and safety measures.
