How To Replace Your Rear Axle Wheel Bearings
- 1. Prepare Your Vehicle Park your vehicle on a flat surface. Loosen all the lug nuts on the wheel (s) you’re going to remove. ...
- 2. Remove The Wheel Bearings If your vehicle has a drum that just slides off, remove it. Remove the 8 bolts that hold the axle shaft in. ...
- 3. Install The New Wheel Bearings
What can happen if rear wheel bearing is not replaced?
Wheel bearings can be damaged in an accident, so they will have to be replaced when they wear out. If you fail to replace them as when due will lead to catastrophic wheel bearing failure and may cause one or more wheels to go off while on road.
How to tell if you need a wheel bearing replaced?
Top Warning Signs Your Wheel Bearings Need Replacement
- Humming Noise. The most easily identifiable and most common symptom of bad wheel bearings is an audible one. ...
- Squealing, Growling. The typical sounds of worn-out wheel bearings are squealing and/or growling. ...
- Clicking Sound. ...
- Wheel Wobble. ...
- ABS Failure. ...
- Uneven Tire Wear. ...
- Vehicle Pulls to One Side. ...
- Steering Wheel Vibration. ...
- Steering Feels Loose. ...
What is the average cost of replacing wheel bearings?
Vehicles with traditional, tapered wheel bearings should have them serviced every 25,000 to 30,000 miles — replacement may not be necessary as long as they're maintained. The average cost for a Wheel Bearing Replacement is between $240 and $267 but can vary from car to car.
How long does it take to replace a wheel bearing?
The time taken to replace a wheel bearing is also slightly different depending on whether the bearing is on the front or rear wheel. A front wheel bearing replacement on average takes around 90 minutes, whereas a rear wheel bearing replacement takes on average just under 1 hour.
Can I replace rear wheel bearing myself?
Changing your own wheel bearings is considered an intermediate job that can be done at home, but will need some speciality mechanic tools.
How do you change a rear wheel bearing?
1:026:27How to Replace a Rear Wheel Bearing in Your Car - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf you'll notice the hub is a whole assembly we have to take this apart to put the new bearing. InMoreIf you'll notice the hub is a whole assembly we have to take this apart to put the new bearing. In just give it a good whack with a hammer huh then it'll on screw. And you can get the end.
How long does it take to replace rear wheel bearing?
The time taken to replace a wheel bearing is also slightly different depending on whether the bearing is on the front or rear wheel. A front wheel bearing replacement on average takes around 90 minutes, whereas a rear wheel bearing replacement takes on average just under 1 hour.
How do you replace a wheel bearing at home?
1:3216:25How to Replace a Front Wheel Bearing - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou just want to get behind here and pull that metal ring out watch your face but that doesn't popMoreYou just want to get behind here and pull that metal ring out watch your face but that doesn't pop out and hurt you and once that metal ring is out just get a flat head screwdriver.
What does it cost to replace a rear wheel bearing?
Between $100 and $347The Average Cost for Rear Wheel Bearing Replacement is Between $100 and $347, Depending on if You Go to the Mechanic or DIY.
Is it easy to change a wheel bearing?
Replacing a wheel bearing that comes as an assembly with the hub and bolts to the spindle or steering knuckle is not very difficult if you have proper skills, tools and the manual. Of course, the large axle nut is very tight and can be difficult to remove.
Is it OK to replace just one wheel bearing?
If bearings go bad at one wheel, it is unnecessary to replace the bearings at the other wheel on the same axle. Don't let someone talk you into work that is not needed. Get the price estimate for wheel bearing replacement for your make and model of car.
How do I know if my rear wheel bearings are bad?
The most common and most easily identifiable symptom of a bad wheel bearing is an audible one. If you notice a grinding or grating noise coming from your wheel or tire, take note that this is very likely caused by a bad wheel bearing—especially if the noise gets louder as the vehicle accelerates.
What happens when a wheel bearing goes out while driving?
If your wheel bearing fails, it can cause the wheel to stop while you are driving or possibly even to fall off. At the very least, before a wheel falls off, a failed wheel bearing can/will cause significant damage to your vehicle, so it's very important to keep an eye on these and keep them maintained.
How do you install a wheel bearing without a press?
11:4218:21PRESS IN Wheel Bearings- LIKE A PRO WITHOUT A PRESS! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo oh here is pretty easy to see we're just gonna put a spacer that fits over top of here prettyMoreSo oh here is pretty easy to see we're just gonna put a spacer that fits over top of here pretty much anything will do I just grabbed one any size will work.
How do you remove a rear axle bearing without a puller?
0:033:59How to remove rear axle bearings! (Slidehammer + axle bearing puller ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd you get you have to kind of hammer on it. And prying it with a chisel or something but once thatMoreAnd you get you have to kind of hammer on it. And prying it with a chisel or something but once that is out and that's this is this is the new one that's got to go in afterwards.
How do you get a wheel bearing out without a press?
1:1610:14How to replace a pressed in wheel bearing without a press. - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo we'll either take the ball joint. Off or just remove the strut from. It. We'll check in again. WeMoreSo we'll either take the ball joint. Off or just remove the strut from. It. We'll check in again. We'll go ahead and just move this remove this axle nut and get this axle pushed back out of the way so
How do you remove a rear wheel bearing without a press?
4:4312:17Replace Your Rear Wheel Bearing Without a Press! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipHit this chisel in between the race and the hub right there with a hammer. And I hope it comes free.MoreHit this chisel in between the race and the hub right there with a hammer. And I hope it comes free. So I'm going to set it up on my wood. Take a few whacks at. It.
How do you remove a rear wheel bearing without a puller?
Steps to take if you want to know how to remove bearing from the shaft without a pullerSelect the right surface.Apply the vehicle's parking brake.Use a car jack to raise your vehicle.Place jack stands under your vehicle.Remove the coverings and trays that are in the way.Remove the tires.More items...•
How do I know if my rear wheel bearings are bad?
The most common and most easily identifiable symptom of a bad wheel bearing is an audible one. If you notice a grinding or grating noise coming from your wheel or tire, take note that this is very likely caused by a bad wheel bearing—especially if the noise gets louder as the vehicle accelerates.
How do you press out a bearing without a press?
12:3118:21PRESS IN Wheel Bearings- LIKE A PRO WITHOUT A PRESS! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou kind of wiggle it snug it up. And it pretty much goes straight once we pull it in all the way itMoreYou kind of wiggle it snug it up. And it pretty much goes straight once we pull it in all the way it will be straight it'll spin true all right spacers in bolts in seals in bearings in here we. Go.
What happens when you change your wheel bearings?
The worst thing that can happen when changing your wheel bearings is for your vehicle to suddenly shift or roll away.
How to get bearings out of hub?
To gain access to the bearings, you'll need to take apart the hub. You'll probably need to use a wrench (and/or a hammer) to remove the end of the hub and any anti-lock brake wheel that may be part of your hub. Then, you may need to use a specialized "puller" tool to remove the central bolt.
How to remove lug nuts from a car?
Unscrew the lug nuts and remove the wheel. The lug nuts, which you should have already loosened, should come off easily. Remove these and put them in a safe place where you won't lose them. Next, remove the wheel itself. It should come freely.
How to get a rim off a car?
If the rim/tire won't come off, just get your lug nuts halfway on, jack the car back down, and let it roll for a few feet. The weight of the car on the wheel should break it loose. If the rotor is stuck to the hub, you're probably going to need a torch and a rubber mallet; heat, hammer, and repeat. If the hub is seized to the knuckle/axle, you can try breaking them apart by sledgehammering the axle. (Make sure you spin the axle nut onto the end of it so you don't mushroom the threads with your sledge, and put it on backwards so you're banging on the flat side, not damaging the castellated side.)
How to remove rotors?
Remove the rotor. Place your thumb securely on the peg in the middle of the rotor assembly. Firmly (but somewhat gently) bump the rotor itself with the palm of your other hand. The wheel's outer bearing should loosen or fall out. Remove the outer bearing. Finally, remove the rotor itself.
What to do if your ABS light turns on?
If you notice a humming or whirring noise while you are driving or your ABS light turns on, it may be time to change your bearings. You can save money by changing your own wheel bearings rather than going to a mechanic, but if you do so, use caution — the bearings may be small, but they're very important.
What is the best tool to loosen a wheel?
Needle-nose pliers, a ratchet wrench with various sized sockets, flat-head screwdriver, jack and a star wrench for loosening nuts on the wheel.
Where are the bearings on a rear wheel drive vehicle?
Rear-wheel drive vehicles will have one bearing on each side of the vehicle and two in the middle inside the large round portion of the rear axle assembly (pumpkin). The middle bearings seldom fail, but the ones outside of the axle housing do occasionally fail.
How to remove a wheel from a car?
Lift your auto on a jack-stand, blocking the wheels to prevent movement. Remove wheel for access. Heat the axle assembly fastening bolts red hot (metal is glowing red), allow to cool, and then attempt bolt removal. When the bolts are removed, pull off the hub assembly and install a new assembly. Most of the time, the assembly comes with new bolts and a thread locking adhesive. Tighten to torque specs as stated in the service manual and replace the wheel. Lower vehicle and do a slow speed test drive before trying highway speeds.
What does it mean when your rear wheels make a noise?
Do you hear a noise from your rear wheels that has a scraping or whistling sound or a low-pitched rumble? What is that noise? Most likely, it's a bearing going bad. If you feel comfortable tackling an axle bearing replacement and have access to necessary tools, enjoy the DIY experience and the satisfaction of saving a few dollars. If you have a friendly shop nearby, you might be able to make a deal with them for assistance on the heavy tool requirements.
Do you need to replace an oil seal on a rear axle?
You'll also need to replace an oil seal at the same time. This type of rear axle bearing uses the axle as the inner bearing race, so pay special attention to the axle's bearing surface as it may require an axle replacement due to excessive wear. Lift your vehicle on a jack-stand, blocking the wheels to prevent movement.
Do you need a press to install a new bearing?
You will access axle fasteners from outside axle housing. If your vehicle has the roller bear ing that is a press fit on the a xle, a press and probably a “bearing splitter” will be required to remove the old bearing. The new bearing will need a press to install it.
What to do after changing wheel bearings?
It is important to perform a test drive after changing the wheel bearings to ensure that the repair is complete. . If you encountered any problems while changing your wheel bearings, call a professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, to replace them for you.
Where are bearings mounted on a front or rear axle?
Bearing assemblies on front or rear non-driven axles are mounted between a wheel hub and a simple spindle shaft.
How to remove a brake caliper from a car?
Step 1: Remove the brake caliper and bracket. Use your ratchet and ⅜ socket set to unbolt the disc brake caliper and bracket from the spindle. Use a screwdriver to remove the caliper itself. Tip: When removing the caliper, be careful not to let it dangle freely, as this can damage the flexible brake line.
How to grease a bearing?
Tip: The easiest way to do this is to wear a glove and scoop a fair amount of grease into the palm of your hand and rub the bearing into your palm, forcing the grease into the bearing casing.
What is a wheel bearing?
Wheel bearings are parts that allow the wheels on your vehicle to spin freely and with as little friction as possible. A wheel bearing is a set of steel balls that are housed in a metal case known as a race, and it is located inside the wheel's hub. If you hear a moaning or humming sound while you are driving, it is likely that one ...
How to use a wheel chock?
Wheel chock x 2. Wire clothes hanger. Step 1: Put chocks behind your wheels. Park the vehicle on a flat and level surface. Use a wheel chock to block the tire opposite of the wheel that you will be working on first.
What can be used to tap the bearing seal into place?
Tip: A rubber mallet can be used to tap the bearing seal into place.
What is the purpose of a wheel bearing?
As the wheels spin, they create friction and heat. Wheel bearings help to reduce the friction, heat and protect the wheels and tires. The wheel bearing lies inside of the hub assembly.
What happens when a wheel bearing fails to roll?
When wheel bearings begin to breakdown and fail to roll, drivers may notice significant differences as they drive. Get to know what the wheel bearing is, its purpose, and what the symptoms of a bad front or rear wheel bearing are.
Why do wheel bearings wear out?
After performing for thousands of miles, it is common for wheel bearings to wear out. The perpetual revolution of the wheels combined with the weight of the vehicle eventually leads to worn wheel bearings, making them unable to let the wheels roll effectively. In the past, wheel bearings could be repacked as they were more accessible. However, modern vehicles are equipped with sealed units to keep debris, dust, and moisture at bay. Sealed units last longer as they are able to prevent contamination and reduce premature wear. However, because they are one collective piece, they cannot be serviced, cleaned, or greased. Once the assembly is worn, the entire rear wheel or front wheel bearing requires replacement, often along with the hub, as well.
What is the role of wheel bearings in a car?
Wheel bearings play a vital role in keeping the wheel attached to your vehicle . Without wheel bearings, your wheel is essentially unattached. This can be very dangerous, especially while traveling on highways at high speeds.
Why does my steering wheel shake?
Typically, when wheel bearings are the cause of such vibrations, you feel the shaking at lower speeds . The shaking will only get worse and may even occur while accelerating if not addressed.
What is a hub on a car?
The hub is what holds the lug nuts that are used to secure the tires to the wheels. Hubs are made to support the weight of the vehicle, travel over all kinds of road conditions, turn corners while facilitating the wheels as they spin at many revolutions per minute.
Is it dangerous to drive with a wheel bearing?
Driving with a missing or faulty wheel bearing is hazardous. It is recommended that if your vehicle experiences any of the symptoms of a worn bearing, you have a trusted technician inspect the wheel assembly. If wheel bearings come loose or detach from the vehicle, it can create a very dangerous situation on the road.
