How to change a wheel bearing

In this blog article, we will provide a step-by-step guide of how to replace a wheel bearing on a vehicle or piece of equipment.

Last Updated: January 23, Fact Checked. This article was co-authored by Hovig Manouchekian. With over 30 years of experience in the automotive industry, Hovig specializes in the process of auto repair and maintenance. He is also very knowledgeable in common automotive issues and needs including engine repair, battery replacement, and windshield accessory and maintenance. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.

How to change a wheel bearing

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Remove the brake caliper. Using a socket and a ratchet, remove the caliper's bolts. Next, remove the wheel itself.

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We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. The Drive and its partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links. Read more. Behind virtually every wheel on every newish vehicle, there is a set of tiny ball bearings that keep the wheels smoothly rotating without interruption. A wheel bearing is located within the wheel hub, which connects the wheel to the axle. Each wheel has its own set of wheel bearings. Two of the most common types of wheel bearings are ball and roller. One style of wheel bearings used rollers, which were basically a series of small cylinders placed within a tapered circular housing. Roller bearings typically are not sealed, which is good for service but bad for susceptibility to contamination. Ball bearings, however, use miniature balls with small contact points for rolling ease.

How to change a wheel bearing

Last Updated: January 23, Fact Checked. This article was co-authored by Hovig Manouchekian. With over 30 years of experience in the automotive industry, Hovig specializes in the process of auto repair and maintenance. He is also very knowledgeable in common automotive issues and needs including engine repair, battery replacement, and windshield accessory and maintenance. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources.

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Download Article Explore this Article Steps. Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. Obviously, you'll want to use chocks on the wheels you don't plan on modifying, as the wheels you do modify will be elevated off the ground. No account yet? Gain confidence tackling repairs. When you're all done, carefully lower the car back down to the ground with your jack. Nov 4, But this article's photos chopped complexity down to size for me. When removing the caliper, be careful not to let it dangle freely, as this can damage the brake hose. Things You'll Need.

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Charles L. After the wheel bearing replacement, you should notice that your vehicle provides a smoother drive. Are your bearings needing to be replaced? For example, you would place wheel chocks behind the rear tires if you are fixing a front wheel bearing and behind the front tires if you are working on a rear wheel. After removing the races, it's a good idea to clean the inside of the bearing assembly around the knuckle. Not Helpful 8 Helpful Categories: Tires and Suspension. More reader stories Hide reader stories. Linear Branches. Follow Us. Reinstall the brake rotor and calliper by sliding them over the axle, lining up the bolt holes, and tightening the bolts back on with a socket. This can, however, damage the rotor, so it's best to use a mallet only if you are not planning on reusing the same rotor. Otherwise, check online forums to see if someone else has shared the information for your specific car.