Wheel Bearing Replacement - with pics

[Bugzuki]

Here is what I did to replace the wheel bearings:

• Remove the Wheel
• Remove the axle nut (I got some hired help for this part) Use a 1-1/4 socket. On assembly torque to 200 - 210 lb/ft

• Remove Caliper (in this picture I was removing the torx bolts, size 45, but realized I just needed to remove the two hex bolts and remove the bracket at the same time as the caliper)

• Remove Brake Rotor

• Release ABS Sensor Cable from catch (a flat head screw driver works nicely)

• Remove sensor (8mm bolt)

• Disconnect Steering Tie Rod (15mm)
• Hit knuckle attachment point to pop the tie rod free

• Disconnect Control Arm Ball Joint (18mm and I usually use a large Screw driver (lost my large torx and forget to buy new))

• Pry ball joint out of knuckle - I made a prototype tool for this

• Remove axle from hub - I have found that it works good to use a punch in the center of the axle shaft. Tap it with a hammer until it is loose

• Remove the Knuckle bolt

Continued in next post.

 

[kcobra]

5char

Please add this post after the first part.

• Remove the knuckle by tapping it off with a hammer (does not have to be real hard)

• Catch the knuckle before it falls - notice all the beautiful rust

Now it is time to press the hub and bearings out - I have a press if you do not you will want to take the knuckles somewhere to have this work done.

• Press the hub out - I used a 1-1/8" socket to extend the press

• Next take the retainer clip out of the outside of the bearing (forgot the picture)
• Press the bearing out

• Once the bearing is out you can easily remove the inner clip - You will need to remove this to put the new bearing in.
• Reinstall the outer clip to stop the bearing at the right spot
• Press the new bearing in - I did this from the inside of the knuckle using the old bearing to press on the outside of the new bearing - instead of pressing on the inner race an possibly messing up the bearing

• Put in the inner retaining clip
• Press the hub in (new or used if still ok) - you can see the inner retaining clip in this picture

This time when I removed the hub the inner bearing race came with it. If this happens you will have to figure out how to get it off. Here is how I did it.

• Oh no stuck bearing race

• Break out the die grinder with cutoff wheel
• Grind the race - trying not to cut into the hub - I got mine a little

• Use a large chisel to crack the race - do this by putting it in the cut and smacking it with the hammer
• Then you should be able to pop the race loose

• Now it should come right off

Better stop now since I hit my second limit of 10 pictures.

Let me know if I left anything out.
Install in reverse order as removed. I am not just saying that. Everything goes together perfect that way.