Wheel Bearing: Service and Repair

Fig. 3 Exploded View Of Wheel Hub, Knuckle And Bearing Assembly:

Removal

1. Raise and support vehicle.
2. Remove wheel and tire assembly.
3. Remove wheel bearing locknut while depressing brake pedal.
4. Remove caliper.
5. Remove tie rod ball joint from knuckle.
6. Separate driveshaft from knuckle, Fig. 3.
7. Support arm assembly, then remove lower strut adjusting bolts. Make matching marks on strut and adjusting bolt.
8. Remove lower ball joint to knuckle attaching nut.
9. Separate knuckle from lower ball joint stud, using a suitable tool.
10. Remove steering knuckle.

Disassembly

1. Remove outer hub inner race from knuckle.
2. Remove outside inner race from wheel hub.
3. Remove inner race from wheel bearing.
4. Remove snap ring.
5. Install inner race (inside) of removed wheel bearing, then remove wheel bearing assembly from knuckle.

Inspection

Inspect removed components for excessive wear and/or damage. Replace worn or damaged components as required.

Assembly

1. Press new wheel bearing assembly into knuckle working from outside of knuckle.
2. Install snap ring.
3. Coat seal lip with suitable grease.
4. Press hub into knuckle. Do not exceed 3.3 tons.
5. Check bearing preload as follows:
a. Place press load onto wheel hub shaft (approximately 5 tons).
b. Spin knuckle several times in both directions.
c. Ensure wheels bearings operate smoothly.

Installation

Reverse removal procedure to install.