Replacing Driver Side Wheel Bearing And Spindle

1. Disassembly
   • 1

     Raise and support the side of the vehicle you'll be working on with jack stands. Be sure to place the stands out of the way of the wheel area so you have plenty of room to work.

   • 2

     Remove the brake caliper by pulling out the caliper bolts with the proper size 3/8-inch drive socket and wrench. Remove the caliper and hang it out of the way with a piece of wire. Remove the caliper bracket bolts and caliper bracket, and slide the rotor off the hub.

   • 3

     Remove the axle nut using the correct size 1/2-inch drive socket and a large breaker bar or pipe for leverage. Once removed, push the axle back into the hub slightly. If it seems stuck, it can be freed up with a few blows from a large hammer and a punch positioned in the center of the axle.

   • 4

     Remove the tie rod end by pulling out the retaining nut and cotter pin. Once removed, a few sharp blows from a hammer on the steering arm near the tie rod end will loosen it from its socket.

   • 5

     Remove the steering knuckle by detaching the lower ball joint and strut bolt. Pull out the lower ball joint's retaining nut, and give the steering knuckle a few sharp blows with a hammer near the ball joint. Then pry down on the lower control arm and remove the ball joint stud from the steering knuckle.

     Remove the steering knuckle from the strut by pulling out the retaining bolt and driving the knuckle off the end of the strut.

   • 6

     Have a new bearing pressed into a steering knuckle at your local auto parts store or repair shop. There will be a small charge for this service.

   Reassembly
   • 7

     Reinstall the steering knuckle by slipping it onto the axle and back over the strut. Install the retaining bolt. Then pry down on the lower control arm, and slip the ball joint stud back into its hole. Tighten all retaining nuts/bolts, and reinstall a cotter pin in the ball joint stud, making sure to spread the cotter pin so it can't fall out.

   • 8

     Reinstall the tie rod into its position on the steering arm, and tighten the retaining nut. Then put a cotter pin into position and spread it as before.

   • 9

     Push the axle back into the hub from behind and then reinstall the axle nut. Torque this nut to factory specs to prevent damage top the new bearings from occurring. Specifications can be found at Autozone.com in the repair information section.

   • 10

     Reinstall the brakes by sliding the rotor back onto the hub and returning the caliper bracket and caliper. Tighten those four fasteners securely.

   • 11

     Put the tire back on, and tighten the wheel lug nuts securely. Then test-drive to verify the repair. After that, it's a good practice to go back and re-torque the axle nut.

• Axle torque is important here. Not tight enough and the bearing will have excessive play, causing premature failure. Too tight and the bearing will overheat, also causing premature failure.

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