How do you fix a front wheel bearing on a 1997 Nissan Sentra or how much would it cost in a shop?

Answer 1

Wheel bearings on the Sentra must be pressed in. The bearings should run around $50 each at the auto parts store, you need two. You will also need 2 different oil seals on each wheel ($10 each). I am unsure what local shops will charge for the labor but I paid $50 for seals and bearings in both wheels. If you have access to a press, you could tackle the job. Ideally bearings/races are always pressed on, sometimes not an option in the real world. 1. If the bearing fell apart you will have one race stuck on the axle and the outer race stuck in the spindle. 2. To remove the race off of the axle heat the race with a heatgun or torch, trying not to heat the axle as much, then try and pry it off (chisel-screwdriver/hammer) without damaging the axle surface. 3. On the race that is stuck in the spindle: Pry out the 2 lipseals. On the outside of the spindle next to the race remove the skinny snapring. Heat up the spindle with a heatgun/torch, punch the race out towards the outside with chisel-screwdriver/hammer being careful not to damage the surface of the spindle. 4.Throw parts away, install new ones packed with grease. 5. new ones go in easier if you heat the spindle. 6. People come here for answers, they go to mapquest for directions to an autoshop.