Tools and Materials Needed:
- Jack and jack stands
- Socket wrench set
- Torque wrench
- Flathead screwdriver
- Pry bar
- New rear wheel bearing (matching the size and specifications of the original bearing)
- New cotter pin
- Grease
Step 1: Prepare the Car:
1. Park your Mazda on a flat surface and apply the parking brake.
2. Loosen the lug nuts on the rear wheel where you need to replace the bearing, but don't remove them completely.
Step 2: Lift the Car:
1. Use a jack to lift the rear of the car until the tire is off the ground.
2. Secure the car using jack stands to ensure stability while you work.
Step 3: Remove the Wheel:
1. Remove the lug nuts and take off the wheel to expose the rear brake assembly.
Step 4: Remove the Brake Caliper:
1. Disconnect any electrical connectors attached to the brake caliper or rotor.
2. Remove the caliper mounting bolts and carefully remove the caliper.
3. Hang the caliper up out of the way with a piece of wire or string to prevent it from damage.
Step 5: Remove the Brake Rotor:
1. Remove the two screws holding the brake rotor to the wheel hub.
2. Slide the rotor off the wheel hub.
Step 6: Remove the Old Wheel Bearing:
1. Clean the area around the wheel hub to make it easier to work.
2. Locate the dust cap covering the wheel bearing and pry it off.
3. Remove the cotter pin that secures the axle nut.
4. Use a socket wrench to loosen and remove the axle nut.
5. Pull the wheel hub from the axle, exposing the old wheel bearing.
6. Use a flathead screwdriver to pry out the old wheel bearing.
Step 7: Install the New Wheel Bearing:
1. Clean the wheel hub and the mating surface of the new wheel bearing.
2. Apply a thin layer of grease to the new wheel bearing.
3. Press the new wheel bearing into the wheel hub until it is seated properly.
4. Reinstall the axle nut and tighten it by hand.
Step 8: Reassemble the Brake Components:
1. Reattach the brake rotor to the wheel hub using the two screws you removed earlier.
2. Reinstall the brake caliper and secure it with the mounting bolts you removed earlier.
3. Reconnect any electrical connectors that you disconnected.
Step 9: Install the Wheel and Lower the Car:
1. Reinstall the wheel and tighten the lug nuts. Do not fully tighten the lug nuts at this point.
2. Lower the car using the jack and remove the jack stands.
3. Fully tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern to ensure even tightening.
Step 10: Test Drive and Final Checks:
1. Take your Mazda for a test drive to check if the wheel bearing replacement was successful.
2. Listen for any unusual noises or vibrations that may indicate a problem.
3. Check for any signs of leakage around the wheel bearing.
Note:
Replacing a wheel bearing can be a complex task, and if you are not comfortable working on vehicles or do not have the necessary tools, it is recommended to seek assistance from a professional mechanic to ensure the proper and safe replacement of the wheel bearing.
