How To Replace Wheel Bearing
and Hub Assembly

Have you been hearing squeaks and chirps as you drive down the road? Unfortunately, it’s probably not the winged migration of the Canada Geese. Chances are the strange noises coming from your wheels are faulty bearings.

Wheel bearings play two important roles in your car’s suspension.

Bearings allow the wheels to rotate with little friction.
Bearings support a car’s weight.

As your car gets older, it’s imperative to keep an eye (and ear) on these often overlooked parts.

If it’s time for your bearings to be replaced, why not do the job yourself? We’ve got the tools and tips you need to install new bearings on your wheels in no time.

Let’s get started.

Make Safety Your Top Priority

Every vehicle is different. When it comes to maintenance and repairs, always follow the vehicle's owner's manual.

Safety should be your number one priority. Don't smoke, drink alcoholic beverages, or wear a necktie while working on the car. Watch out for hot objects, sharp instruments, hazardous materials and other potential safety hazards in and around your workspace.

Don't work with a Philips when the job calls for a flat. Substituting tools can compromise your safety or your vehicle's performance.

Finally, when the fun turns to frustration, or if the job requires specialized knowledge beyond your capabilities, please do not attempt it yourself. Talk to a Parts Pro or seek the assistance of a professional mechanic or installer. The last thing we want is someone getting hurt.


Removing old bearings

Raise & support the vehicle securely on jack stands.
Spin each wheel and check for any noise or resistance.
Move the wheel in and out by grabbing the tire with one hand on the top of the tire and the other hand on the bottom. If there is any movement the bearings should be replaced.
Remove the tire.
Remove the brake caliper and hang it securely out of the way with wire. Never let the caliper hang by the brake hose.
Remove the dust cap. If a screw driver won't work try using a chisel and hammer.
Remove the cotter pin from the middle of the spindle nut. Throw the cotter pin away; always use a new cotter pin during installation.
Remove the spindle nut and washer.
Remove the outer wheel bearing.
Pull the hub/disc assembly off the spindle.
Remove the seal from the rear of the hub assembly using a screw driver or seal removal tool.
Remove the inner wheel bearing from the hub assembly.
Remove the old bearing races using a press.
Clean the inside of the hub with solvent and a brush to remove all dirt and grease.

Installing new bearings

Press the new bearing races into the hub assembly.
IMPORTANT - Bearings and races come as a matched set and should be replaced together.
Pack the new bearings with high temp wheel bearing grease. Work the grease into the bearings by pressing the back edge of the bearing into your palm filled with grease.
Apply a thin coat of grease to the spindle arm and the inner hub assembly.
Place the grease packed inner wheel bearing into the rear of the hub assembly.
Place a new seal over the inner bearing and tap the seal until it is flush with hub assembly. Using a hammer and block of wood or a socket the same diameter as the seal works well to seat the seal flush with the hub.
Place the hub assembly on the spindle arm.
Install the grease packed outer bearing.
Install the spindle nut and washer. Tighten to specified torque.
Spin the wheel forward to seat the bearings properly.
Recheck the spindle nut torque.
Install new cotter pin.
Install the dust cap cover.
Install the brake caliper.
Install the tire and tighten lug nuts.
Remove jack stands and lower the vehicle.
Tighten lug nuts to specified torque.
MORE INFO - Visit your local PartSource for free print outs from Mitchell on Demand for vehicle specific instructions, or to purchase a Haynes Manual.
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