How To Replace Wheel Hub Bearings

 

Are wheel hub bearings difficult to replace?

The wheel bearing replacement process itself is not difficult, but it does require a certain amount of mechanical knowledge, proper tools, and patience.

AUTOROND’s high-quality bearing and wheel hub assemblies can simplify the replacement process, but the main difficulty may lie in dealing with rust and corrosion.

For most people with some DIY experience and basic mechanical knowledge, wheel bearing replacement is possible by consulting the vehicle repair manual and following the instructions. However, if you are not confident in your abilities, or are unfamiliar with the process, it is best to seek the help of a professional mechanic to ensure that the replacement process is safe and correct.

 

Precautions for replacing wheel hub bearings

When replacing wheel hub bearings, it is crucial to follow the correct steps and precautions to ensure safety and the durability of the bearings. The following is a supplement and refinement of the information you provided:

I. Automobile bearing disassembly:

• Use special pulling tools: Select special pulling tools suitable for bearing size and design, and avoid using hammers to directly hit the bearings to prevent damage to the bearings or related parts.
• Operate carefully: During the disassembly process, ensure that the rolling elements and cages of the bearings are not subjected to any unnecessary force or deformation. Operate gently and evenly to prevent damage.
• Clean up the disassembly area: Before disassembly, ensure that the work area is clean and all necessary tools and parts are ready.

II. Automobile bearing installation:

• Cleaning work: Use clean kerosene or gasoline to thoroughly clean the bearings and related parts that match them to ensure that there are no impurities and contaminants.
• Check parts: Carefully check whether the bearing to be used is consistent with the original model and whether the size of the matching parts is qualified. Any mismatched or damaged parts should be replaced.
• Use the correct assembly tool: Use a special assembly tool sleeve to press the bearing in, ensuring that the diameter of the tool sleeve does not exceed the outer diameter of the bearing flange. During the assembly process, apply force evenly and avoid impact or rough assembly.
• Check the assembly quality: After installation, gently turn the bearing and related parts to check for sticking or abnormal noise. If there is, stop the machine immediately for inspection and repair.
• Lubrication: Inject the specified grease or lubricating oil according to the requirements of the main machine parts. Ensure that the lubrication is sufficient and evenly distributed to reduce friction and wear.
• Oil bath heating (for large bearings): When assembling large bearings and products with large clearance between the bearing and the shaft and seat hole, the bearing should be heated in an oil bath. The heating temperature should be controlled at around 80 degrees Celsius to avoid overheating and bearing damage. The assembly process should be completed quickly and accurately after heating.
• Recording and inspection: After replacing the bearing, relevant information should be recorded and necessary inspections should be carried out. This helps to track the use and maintenance history of the bearing and provide a reference for future repairs.
• Safety precautions: Always follow safe operating procedures throughout the replacement process. Ensure that the work area is clean, tools and equipment are in good condition, and wear appropriate protective equipment.

 

How to Replace a Wheel Hub Bearing

The steps to replace a wheel hub bearing can be summarized in the following clear steps:

Preparation:

• Park the car on a safe and flat surface and make sure the surroundings are safe.
• Use wheel chocks to secure the wheel not in use to prevent the car from sliding.

Removing the wheel:

• Use a wheel jack to lift the wheel that needs a bearing replacement.
• Loosen the lug nuts (usually using a 30 socket wrench) and remove the wheel.

Removing the brake system:

• Remove the brake caliper using a socket wrench.
• Remove the dust cap, cotter pin and castellated nut. The dust cap and cotter pin can be easily removed with pliers or special tools.

Removing the bearing and rotor:

• Remove the rotor, first remove the outer bearing, then if the rotor is stuck, use a rubber hammer to tap gently to loosen it.
• Unscrew the hub bolts and remove the old hub. Note that the bearing is behind the hub.

Removing and cleaning the hub assembly:

• Removing the hub assembly, it may be necessary to disassemble the hub to access the bearing.
• Break the race using appropriate tools such as a hammer and chisel or a grinder.
• Clean the knuckle inside the bearing assembly to remove old grease and debris.

Install the new wheel bearing and race:

• With the new bearing and race, tap gently to seat the race in place.
• Grease the new internal components liberally, making sure the bearing is properly aligned and pushed in as far as it will go.

Reinstall everything:

• Reinstall all removed parts in reverse order, including the caliper, dust cover, cotter pin, and castle nut.
• Make sure everything is securely installed and check for loose screws or parts.

Test and adjust:

• After completing the installation, lower the jack so that the wheel is back on the ground.
• Gently rotate the wheel to make sure the bearing is working properly and there is no binding or unusual noise.
• Make any necessary adjustments, such as adjusting the brake system or wheel alignment.