Wheel bearings (also known as bearings or bearings) are an important part of a vehicle's suspension system. The part that is usually attached to the wheel hub, rotor (drive disc) or brake drum helps to keep the wheels turning perfectly when the vehicle is running. If you are disturbed by a buzzing or ringing sound while driving, or the ABS warning light in your vehicle continues to flash, it may be time to replace the wheel bearings. Of course, you can save on repair costs if you replace your vehicle's wheel bearings yourself, but do it carefully, because even though they are small, the role of wheel bearings is very important. Start at step 1 to learn the steps.
Step
Step 1. Pay attention to:
Every vehicle is unique. The following instructions are intended to provide general instructions only, so they may not exactly suit the circumstances of your vehicle. If you find yourself having problems trying to replace the wheel bearings yourself or are still unsure about the results after completion, don't hesitate to ask a professional mechanic for help. You will avoid wasting time, reduce problems and save more costs in the future.
Step 2. Park your vehicle on a flat surface
Just like when repairing other parts of the vehicle, you need to do all the necessary preparations before replacing your wheel bearings, so that your safety is maintained. The worst thing that can happen when changing wheel bearings is for your vehicle to suddenly roll on its own. For that, before you start, park your vehicle on a flat surface. For cars with automatic transmission, put it in the P (parked) position. For cars with manual transmission, put it in 1st gear, reverse or neutral. Also make sure the handbrake is installed.
Step 3. Install the wheel brackets to ensure the other wheels do not move
To make the vehicle more stable, you can use a wheel wedge to ensure that the other wheel that is not being replaced has a bearing stays in place. Put a wedge on the wheel that you are not working on, because of course the wheel you are working on will be lifted so that it does not touch the ground. For example, you are going to replace the bearing of a front wheel, install a wedge behind the rear wheel. If you are changing the rear wheel bearings, install a wedge behind the front wheel.
Step 4. Loosen the lug nuts and raise the wheel with a jack
To get to the parts you need to work on better, you'll need to raise the wheel for which you're changing bearings. Fortunately, every vehicle is equipped with a jack for this purpose. Before you lift the wheel, it's a good idea to loosen all the lug nuts using a wheel wrench, as it will be much harder to unscrew the nuts the first time with the wheel off the ground. After the nut loosens, slowly raise the wheel. If your vehicle is not equipped with a jack, you can purchase a suitable jack at an auto parts store. You can refer to the wikiHow article on how to change wheels for instructions on raising the wheels with a jack.
To prevent the vehicle from slipping, make sure the vehicle is supported in the proper place by the jack and the jack is firmly grounded before you start trying to raise the wheels. It is also important to ensure that the jack supports the vehicle against a solid metal part at the bottom of the vehicle, not a plastic part, as the weight of the vehicle when lifted can damage the non-sturdy parts
Step 5. Unscrew the wheel nut and remove the wheel
Loosened wheel nuts can be removed easily. Remove it completely and place it in a safe place where it cannot be slipped. The wheels should now be easy to remove.
Some people like to collect the nuts using an inverted hubcap, which acts as a kind of plate to hold the nuts
Step 6. Remove the brake calipers
Using the socket wrench and handle, remove the caliper retaining bolt. After that remove the caliper by prying it using a screwdriver.
When you remove the calipers, be careful not to let them hang freely, as this will damage the brake pipes or cables. Hook it to a secure underside of the vehicle or tie it to the part using a piece of string
Step 7. Remove the dust cover, cotter pin, and crown nut
After the wheel is removed, in the center of the rotor (drive disc) there will be a small metal or plastic cover that serves to protect the rotor fastening components from dust. Since we need to remove the rotor, all fastening components along with the cover must be removed as well. Usually the dust cover can be removed with tongs and tapped on the clamps with a hammer. Inside, you'll find a crown nut fastened with cotter pins. Remove the pins with pliers or wire cutters, then remove the crown nut (and washers) by turning it.
Be sure to store these important little components in a safe place, don't lose them
Step 8. Remove the rotor
Place your thumb firmly on the axle in the center of the rotor. Shake the rotor vigorously (but in a smooth direction) with the palm of your other hand. The outer wheel bearings will loosen or fall off. Remove the bearing and remove the rotor.
If the rotor is stuck or difficult to remove, use a rubber mallet to pound it loose. However, this may damage the rotor, so only use a rubber mallet if you are planning to replace the rotor
Step 9. Remove the drive connection bolt (hub) and remove the hub
The rotor is connected to the drive axle using a hub (hub). The wheel bearings are located in the hub, which is usually securely fastened with a number of bolts at the back. These bolts can be difficult to reach because they are on the inside so you may need a thin socket wrench or an elbow handle to remove them. After you have successfully removed all the hub bolts, pull the hub off the drive axle.
If you buy a pack of new hub assemblies, after this you don't have to bother, just install the new hub assemblies and reassemble everything down to the wheels and you're done. But if you're only going to replace the wheel bearings in the hub, keep reading
Step 10. Disassemble the hub
To reach the bearings, you must disassemble the hub. You may have to use a wrench (and/or a hammer) to unscrew the hub and any ABS components that may be attached to it. After that you may need a special pulling tool to remove the center bolt, after which the bearing will come off easily.
Step 11. Remove the bearing housing and clean the seat
Removing the bearing housing usually means crushing it with a grinding machine or with a chisel and hammer. For that, you must have prepared a replacement. After the bearing housing has been removed and the old bearing removed, it is a good idea to clean the bearing holder as well.
This area usually contains a lot of dirt and grease, so prepare plenty of rags for cleaning
Step 12. Install the new bearing housing with the bearing
Snap the new bearing housing into place with a few taps of a hammer. Lubricate the bearing and attach it to the bearing housing. Ensure that the bearing is properly seated, straight, and seated as far inward as possible, and if there is a locking ring, ensure that it is level against the outside of the bearing holder.
Use plenty of grease to lubricate the bearings. Lubricate by hand or with a special bearing packer. Also apply plenty of grease to the outer sides of the bearings and lock rings
Step 13. Reassemble all components in reverse order
Now that you've finished replacing the bearings, what you'll have to do is basically reassemble all the parts of the wheel that you removed in the reverse order. Don't forget that this includes replacing the outer bearings after the rotor is reassembled. Reinstall the hub assembly and connect it to the drive axle. Reinstall the rotor and tighten all the bolts. Install the new outer bearing which has been greased sufficiently. Replace the crown nut and lock it with the cotter pin. Replace the dust cover, caliper and brake lining in place and secure with their respective bolts. Finally, reinstall the wheel and tighten all the lug nuts.
