When do you need to replace a wheel bearing?

If the steering knuckle needs to be removed to replace the wheel bearing on your car, you may also need to replace some suspension components like a lower ball joint or tie rod end as these can be damaged during removal if they are old or worn.

How do you remove a wheel hub assembly?

Then start disassembling the brakes by removing the caliper bolts and the bracket bolts. Next, remove the rotor. If the vehicle has anti-lock brakes, disconnect any wiring harness plugs. Loosen all the bolts that hold the wheel hub assembly onto the knuckle. Once that is done, you should be able to remove the wheel hub assembly as a unit.

What are the symptoms of a bad wheel bearing?

No matter what type of bearing you have, bad wheel bearing symptoms are the same. A wheel bearing will usually fail due to pitting or small damage on the surface of the rollers or the bearing race.

Can a 5 lug rear axle be swapped?

Besides being larger, they are often finned (better cooling) and some of them are aluminum (lighter). This swap will only work with ’76 and up 7.5″ rear ends. In some cases the shorter axles result in the rear brake drums (also 5-lug) rubbing against the rear backing plates (dust covers) around the edge where the drum meets the back cover.

How long do wheel bearings last on a car?

If you’re lucky, wheel bearings can last up to 150,000 miles. However, once your car has over 75,000 miles, the wheel bearings could start acting up at any time.The hub that encapsulates and carries the bearing is connected to the spindle, which is attached to the rest of your car’s suspension.

Which is the most difficult part of replacing wheel bearings?

Removing this nut is often the most difficult part of replacing the wheel hub assembly. You’re looking at a very large nut with a whole lot of torque on it, that spins freely as a part of its normal operation. The trick is to get the wheel bearing assembly “stuck” somehow. Fortunately, the brake rotor is fixed to the wheel bearing assembly.

Is it expensive to replace a wheel bearing?

The parts AND labor are expensive. The hub assembly must be removed from the car or truck and set in a press, which is then used to press the bearing out of the assembly. One wrong move with the press and you run the risk of damaging the hub assembly.

Can you replace a wheel bearing at Pep Boys?

On some cars, you can just replace the bearing and call it a day. On others, the hub assembly must be removed and replaced. The most difficult type involves removing the hub assembly and setting it in a press. If you’re not sure what type of wheel hub assembly you have, stop by or give your local Pep Boys store a call.

What kind of noise does a bad wheel bearing make?

Mike, Bad wheel bearings are usually associated with humming noises, not grinding sounds. Grinding noises usually have more to do with brake problems rather than wheel bearings. Try reading our article about brake noise to see if that is the problem you are having.

Why is my car bearing pitting and deformation?

Over time the bearing will wear slightly, allowing microscopic pieces of metal into the grease. These microscopic pieces of metal, as well as any contamination that gets into the bearing, will wear away at the highly polished surfaces causing pitting and deformation.