Replace Wheel Bearing or Entire Hub: Which is Right for You?

When it comes to replacing wheel bearings or entire hubs, there are a few things to consider to make sure you make the best decision for your vehicle. In this article, we'll discuss the benefits of replacing wheel bearings or entire hubs, how to do it yourself, and some common mistakes to avoid.

Benefits of Replacing Wheel Bearings or Hubs

There are several benefits to replacing wheel bearings or hubs, including:

Improved safety: Worn wheel bearings can cause your wheels to wobble or come loose, which can lead to accidents. Replacing them can help keep you and your passengers safe.

Reduced noise: Worn wheel bearings can also cause a lot of noise, which can be annoying and distracting. Replacing the bearings can help to reduce noise and make your ride more enjoyable.

Extended tire life: Worn wheel bearings can put extra stress on your tires, causing them to wear out prematurely. Replacing the bearings can help to extend the life of your tires and save you money in the long run.

How to Replace Wheel Bearings or Hubs

Replacing wheel bearings or hubs is a relatively simple process that can be done at home with the right tools. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Gather your tools and materials: You'll need a jack, jack stands, a socket wrench, a torque wrench, and new wheel bearings or hubs.

Loosen the lug nuts: Use the socket wrench to loosen the lug nuts on the wheel that you're working on.

Jack up the car: Place the jack under the car and raise it until the wheel is off the ground.

Remove the lug nuts: Remove the lug nuts and take off the wheel.

Remove the brake caliper: Use the socket wrench to remove the bolts holding the brake caliper in place. Then, carefully remove the caliper and hang it out of the way.

Remove the brake rotor: Use the socket wrench to remove the bolts holding the brake rotor in place. Then, take off the rotor.

Remove the wheel bearing or hub: Use the socket wrench to remove the bolts holding the wheel bearing or hub in place. Then, carefully remove the bearing or hub.

Install the new wheel bearing or hub: Place the new wheel bearing or hub in place and tighten the bolts using the torque wrench.

Reinstall the brake rotor: Place the brake rotor on and tighten the bolts using the torque wrench.

Reinstall the brake caliper: Bolt the brake caliper back into place and then tighten the bolts using the torque wrench.

Reinstall the wheel: Place the wheel on and tighten the lug nuts using the torque wrench.

Lower the car: Lower the car and then torque the lug nuts to the specified torque.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when replacing wheel bearings or hubs:

Overtightening the bolts: Overtightening the bolts can damage the bearings or hubs. Be sure to follow the torque specifications for your vehicle.

Using the wrong tools: Using the wrong tools can make the job more difficult and can even damage your vehicle. Be sure to use the correct tools for the job.

Not replacing the seals: The seals on wheel bearings or hubs can wear out over time and cause leaks. Be sure to replace the seals when you replace the bearings or hubs.

Conclusion

Replacing wheel bearings or hubs is a relatively simple process that can be done at home with the right tools. By following the steps in this article, you can safely and effectively replace the bearings or hubs on your vehicle.

Tables

Benefits of Replacing Wheel Bearings or Hubs

Benefit	Description
Improved safety	Worn wheel bearings can cause your wheels to wobble or come loose, which can lead to accidents. Replacing them can help keep you and your passengers safe.
Reduced noise	Worn wheel bearings can also cause a lot of noise, which can be annoying and distracting. Replacing the bearings can help to reduce noise and make your ride more enjoyable.
Extended tire life	Worn wheel bearings can put extra stress on your tires, causing them to wear out prematurely. Replacing the bearings can help to extend the life of your tires and save you money in the long run.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake	Description
Overtightening the bolts	Overtightening the bolts can damage the bearings or hubs. Be sure to follow the torque specifications for your vehicle.
Using the wrong tools	Using the wrong tools can make the job more difficult and can even damage your vehicle. Be sure to use the correct tools for the job.
Not replacing the seals	The seals on wheel bearings or hubs can wear out over time and cause leaks. Be sure to replace the seals when you replace the bearings or hubs.

Replace Wheel Bearing or Entire Hub: Which is Right for You?