How do you change a wheel bearing?

Answer 1

I've had the opportunity to do this self-repair job. It ain't too fun. It will take you all day for 4 wheels if you have AWD and if it's all wheel drive, you have to buy the entire hub assembly because the wheel bearings are sealed and not replaceable. It's about a three hour job for each front wheel and an hour or so on the back for the average do it yourself-er like me. I take breaks but an obsessive-compulsive can probably do all wheels in four hours if you already have the parts. You can get everything you need Autozone. The front assemblies are the most expensive at about $170 each. The dealer will charge you $350 each for the fronts and that doesn't include installation.

Step by step:

Remove the tire

Remove the entire brake caliper and use string/wire to hang it out of the way. DO NOT LET THE BRAKE HOSE SUSPEND THE CALIPER! DO NOT LET THE CALIPER HANG FROM THE BRAKE HOSE! Use something to hold it out of the way other than the brake hose.

Remove the large locking nut on the center of the hub. Do not re-use it. Get a new one for reassembly. That sucker is on there big-time tight so you will need an impact wrench. You will not be able to remove it unless you have a 6 foot cheater bar or an impact wrench and I've never seen a 6 foot cheater bar. If you don't have an impact wrench you will not succeed at this project. Go to Lowe's and pick up an electric one for 40 bucks. They're awesome for removing lawnmower blades too! Do this before you take things apart so you can drive your car. :)

After removing the hub lock nut, remove 3 bolts behind the hub assembly that hold the assembly to the strut.

Remove the wiring for the antilock. It runs up the wheel well and into the engine compartment.

After everything is unbolted/unwired, remove the hub assembly by pulling it. You may need a may need a rubber hammer or some leverage to get it to move. Be careful not to damage the splines on the spindle once the hub is removed.

Do everthing in reverse to put it back on.

Get a Chilton's repair guide to help. They've got good pictures of the parts. You can get these at Autozone as well. Autozone is nationwide so I'm sure there's one near you somewhere. If not, any other parts store should have the same stuff. You must ensure you torque the bolts to the correct lbs and a repair guide will give you these numbers for your year model.

Once you're done, have a beer and remember, you have another front wheel to go and two on the back. The back is easier. :)

I Have removed many axle nuts and it can be done with a breaker bar. Mine is about 2 feet long and has a 1/2 inch drive. DO NOT USE AN IMPACT WRENCH TO INSTALL ANY FASTENERS. FIND THE TORQUE SPECS AND USE THE PROPER TOOL (TORQUE WRENCH) AND SETTING!