Get In Touch
Before disassembly, it is essential to confirm that the issue lies with the bearing.
Road Test and Auditory Inspection:
Safe Road Test: Accelerate to 50-70 km/h on a flat road and listen for a persistent "humming" or "growling" noise.
Lane Change Test: (Key Diagnostic Step) Safely and gently swerve left and right. If the noise increases when turning in one direction and decreases in the other, the bearing on the side where the noise increases is the source (the load on the outer bearing increases during a turn).
Use a Mechanic's Stethoscope: Place the stethoscope or a long screwdriver against the suspension spring or steering knuckle to better locate the noise source. Keep clear of moving parts!
Lift Inspection:
Vertical Play: Place hands at the 12 and 6 o'clock positions on the tire and push/pull vigorously. Feel for any noticeable axial play. (Note: Some bearing designs cannot be checked this way).
Horizontal Play: Place hands at the 3 and 9 o'clock positions and push/pull to check for tie-rod end play, to avoid misdiagnosis.
Safely lift the vehicle until the tires are off the ground.
Rotation Check: Manually spin the tire, feeling for any binding, roughness, or obvious noise.
Play Check:
Using incorrect tools is a primary cause of repair failure.
Essential Tool List:
Safety Stands/Jacks: Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
Torque Wrench: Critical! For accurately tightening the axle nut.
Socket Set: Various sizes for removing the axle nut, caliper, tie rod ends, etc.
Specialized Puller: For extracting the bearing from the steering knuckle or drive axle.
Hydraulic Press: The safest and most professional method for pressing bearings in/out.
Auxiliary Tools: Screwdrivers, hammers, pry bars, etc.
New Parts: New hub bearing unit, new axle nut (typically one-time use), and potentially new clips/washers.
Safety First: Engage parking brake, and chock the diagonal wheel. Loosen the lug nuts before lifting the vehicle.
Remove Wheel: Safely lift the vehicle and remove the wheel.
Disconnect Related Components:
Remove the brake caliper (secure it with wire/rope; do not let it hang by the brake hose).
Remove the brake disc/rotor.
Disconnect the ABS sensor connector (if applicable).
Disconnect the tie-rod end, lower control arm ball joint, etc. (vehicle-dependent).
Separate Drive Axle: Use a specialized tool or careful leverage to press the drive axle out of the hub bearing.
Remove Bearing Assembly: Unbolt the bearing assembly from the steering knuckle. Use a specialized puller to extract the entire assembly.
Avoid: Directly and violently hammering the bearing or drive axle, as this can damage the knuckle, CV joint, and ABS sensor.
Install New Bearing:
Clean: Thoroughly clean the bearing mounting surface on the steering knuckle, ensuring it is free of rust and debris.
Lubricate: Apply a small amount of anti-seize or specified lubricant to the contact surface between the bearing and knuckle. Do not grease the bearing seals or inject grease into the bearing interior.
Press In: Use a dedicated tool or press to press the new bearing squarely and vertically into the knuckle. Ensure force is applied only to the bearing's strong outer ring.
Reassembly: Reinstall all components in the reverse order of removal.
Carefully align the drive axle splines with the new hub, ensuring it is fully seated.
Critical Step: Torque the Axle Nut:
Using a torque wrench, tighten the new axle nut strictly to the vehicle manufacturer's specified torque and procedure. Many models require torquing to a base value, then turning a specific additional angle.
Install the circlip (if applicable).
Final Check & Road Test:
Reinstall the wheel, lower the vehicle, and torque the lug nuts.
Spin the wheel while lifted to check for smooth rotation and noise.
Conduct a road test to confirm the noise is gone and the vehicle handles smoothly.
No Hammering: Violent hammering can damage the bearing's internal races and rollers, causing immediate failure of the new bearing.
Use Correct Tools: Pullers and presses are mandatory; they provide controlled force and prevent damage.
Follow Torque Specs: An over-tightened axle nut creates excessive preload, leading to rapid overheating and failure. A loose nut is extremely dangerous, potentially causing wheel separation.
Replace the Axle Nut: Axle nuts are often one-time-use, deformable locking nuts. Their locking ability is reduced after removal. Always replace it.
Inspect Related Parts: Check the drive axle splines and steering knuckle surface for wear while the bearing is removed.
Replace in Pairs: While more costly, it is highly recommended to replace wheel bearings in pairs (both fronts or both rears) to maintain balanced handling, stability, and safety.
