ALT-1 How to Change Front Wheel Bearings
Changing the front wheel bearings in your vehicle is not a particularly difficult job. It doesn't require much in the way of specialized equipment and you should be able to do it yourself in the span of a Saturday afternoon. Before starting, you'll need to make sure you have the proper tools. You'll need either a wrench or a hex head socket to remove the brake caliper from the rotor, depending on the type of vehicle you have. You'll also need a pair of pliers, some sidecutters, a hammer, and a small flathead screwdriver. A specialized tool for removing the dust cap on the rotor is also useful, but the screwdriver can be used. In addition, you'll need a jack and a lug wrench to remove the wheel.
Once you've obtained the necessary tools, visit your local auto parts store and purchase a wheel bearing kit for your vehicle. You'll also need a small tub of bearing grease. This is thick grease to go on the bearings inside the rotor to help lubricate them. If you're unsure exactly what to use, the employees at the auto parts store should be able to help you.
Start the job by jacking up and removing one of the front wheels. It's important to finish one side completely before starting on the other so you don't get any air in the brake lines. Remove the brake caliper from the rotor by loosening the bolts on the back. Next, remove the dust cap from the front of the rotor that's covering the bearings. If you don't have the special removal tool, you can slide a thin screwdriver in between the cap and the rotor and gently work your way around the cap until it comes free.
Next, lay out a rag or piece of paper to put the bearings on. Use the sidecutters to remove the cotter pin that's holding the nut retainer on and remove both. Use the pliers to remove the nut from the rotor and set it aside. The front bearing should now be loose enough to slide out of the front of the rotor. Remove this bearing and set it aside. Now, replace the nut on the spindle and slide the rotor forcefully over it. This will remove the rear bearing. Remove the nut and slide the rotor and rear bearing off the spindle.
Now, spray out the bearing race inside the rotor with brake cleaner. Inspect the race to make sure it's not damaged and place the rotor face down. Take the new rear wheel bearing and coat the inside and outside of the bearing thoroughly with grease. from the back of the rotor, set the bearing into the race with the tapered side pointing into the rotor. Tap lightly with the hammer until the bearing is thoroughly seated.
Before replacing the rotor on the spindle, clean the spindle thoroughly to remove any foreign debris and lubricate it lightly with bearing grease. Slide the rotor back on. Grease the new front bearing thoroughly like you did with the rear and slide it into the front of the rotor with the tapered side facing in. The hammer is not necessary for the front bearing. Tighten the nut snugly, but not too tight, against the rotor and ensure that the rotor spins freely. Replace the nut retainer and replace the cotter pin through the spindle so the nut doesn't come loose.
Before moving on to the other side, replace the brake caliper and tighten the bolts. Pump the brake pedal a few times to make sure no air gets in the lines. Repeat the process for the other side of the vehicle. You vehicle should now roll merrily down the road without all that annoying roaring and whining.
