Wheel ball bearings are part of the car suspension; usually found on the wheel hub and brake drum or disc, they serve to reduce friction between parts when the vehicle is in motion. If you hear a faint or grating sound, or the ABS warning light comes on when you drive, then maybe it's time to replace them. You can save time and money by replacing it yourself, rather than going to a mechanic, but you have to be very careful because, despite being very small, they are essential for your car. Keep reading!
Steps
Step 1. Note:
every car is different. The instructions in this article are general and may not perfectly fit your vehicle model. If you encounter any problems during the procedure or if you have any doubts after you have finished, you should consult an experienced mechanic. This way you save time, avoid problems and, in the long run, you will spend less.
Step 2. Park your car on level ground
When performing maintenance on the machine, all safety precautions should always be taken, this also applies when changing bearings. The worst that could happen is that the vehicle suddenly slips and moves. Before starting, therefore, it is essential to park it on a flat surface, move the gear lever to "Parking" (if the transmission is automatic) or put the first gear, the rear or leave it in neutral (if the transmission is manual) and apply the parking brake.
Step 3. Secure some wedges behind the wheels you don't need to change bearings for
These provide greater stability to the machine and are a smart precaution. Obviously you will have to insert them only behind those wheels that you must not remove, since those affected by maintenance operations must be raised from the ground. For example, you should put the chocks behind the rear wheels if you have decided to work on the front ones and vice versa.
Step 4. Loosen the bolts and jack up the wheel
To gain access to the wheel components where the bearings are housed, you need to raise the car. Fortunately, most vehicles are equipped with a jack for just this purpose. Before lifting the machine, however, it is better to loosen the bolts with a very long handle in order to overcome their initial resistance; if you do this when the wheel is suspended it will be very difficult or almost impossible. Then raise the car. If your vehicle is not equipped with a jack, you will need to purchase a suitable one at the auto parts store. Read this article for more details.
To prevent sudden and dangerous movements of the machine, make sure that it is well supported on the jack and that it is stable on the ground before starting to lift. It is also essential that the pressure point of the jack on the car is very strong, made of metal, and not a plastic area of the bodywork, otherwise you risk damage
Step 5. Unscrew the bolts and remove the wheel
The bolts should already be loose so you shouldn't encounter any particular resistance or problems. Once removed, store them in a safe place where they will not be lost. Then remove the wheel, it should come out of its housing easily.
Some people like to keep the bolts in the hubcap after placing it on the ground as if it were a "plate"
Step 6. Remove the brake caliper
Use a socket wrench and ratchet to loosen the nuts. Then detach the caliper itself using a screwdriver.
When doing this, be careful not to let the brake caliper swing freely as it could damage the brake cable. Instead, attach it to a stable part of the underbody or use a string to hold it in place
Step 7. Remove the dust cover, split pin and notched nut
In the center of the disc there should be a metal or plastic cap called dust cover that protects the components of the disc itself. Since you will have to detach the disk, it is essential to remove this protection. It is usually sufficient to grab it with a caliper and give it a few taps with a rubber mallet. Inside you will find the split pin that secures the notched nut. Remove the split pin with a pair of pliers or a wire cutter and then unscrew the nut to remove it (together with its gasket).
Remember to keep all these small but very important parts in a safe place, you must not lose them
Step 8. Detach the brake disc
Place your thumb securely on the center pin of the disc lock. Firmly but gently, hit the puck with the palm of your other hand. The outer ball bearing of the wheel should come loose or fall out. Take it out and finally detach the disc itself.
If the disc is stuck, you can use a rubber mallet to loosen it. However, be aware that this could break it, so only use a hammer if you have planned to replace the disc as well
Step 9. Unscrew the bolts and remove the old hub
The bearings are located inside the hub which is usually fixed by several bolts that are inserted from the rear. It might be a bit tricky to get to them as they are quite hidden under the body, so you need to get yourself a rather thin, long-handled socket wrench to loosen them. Once the bolts are removed, the hub comes off the axle.
If you bought a new hub, at this point you can simply mount it and put the wheel back in its place. If, on the other hand, you need to replace the bearings inside the old hub, proceed with the next steps
Step 10. Disassemble the hub
In order to reach the bearings, you have to open this piece. You will need a wrench (and / or hammer) to detach the hub end and all components of the brake anti-lock system. Finally you will need a specific tool to remove the central nut, at this point you will have access to the bearings.
Step 11. Remove the washers and the hinge joint
To detach the block of the ball bearing washers you have to break them with a cutter or hammer and chisel. For this reason it is advisable to have new fifth wheels ready. Once detached, it is advisable to clean the internal part surrounding the joint.
This piece is usually heavily soiled with grease and grime, so have several rags on hand
Step 12. Fit the new fifth wheels and bearings
Secure them in place with a few taps of the hammer. Finally, grease the inside and insert the bearings. Make sure these are aligned properly, are inserted deep, and that each ring is flush with the outside of the piece.
Use a lot of bearing grease. You can smear it by hand or use a special tool that fixes the bearings in their housing and at the same time greases them. Add more lubricant on the outside and on each ring
Step 13. Reassemble each part following the reverse procedure
Now that you've replaced the bearings, you simply need to reassemble the hub, brake and wheel. Don't forget that you will also need to install a new outer bearing after fitting the brake disc. Reassemble the hub and mount it on the axle. Secure the disc with its dice. At this point, install a new, well-greased outer bearing. Tighten the notched nut a little and secure the split pin. Refit the dust cover. Now you need to put the brake caliper and pads back in place and secure everything with the appropriate bolts. Refit the wheel and tighten its nuts.
