Repair 7

How to Replace a Wheel Hub Assembly

If the ABS light on your dashboard is on continuously, it may mean you need to replace a wheel hub assembly. If you are not sure which one it might be, have the car inspected by a professional. Replacing a wheel hub assembly requires some special tools, but if you have them, then this project is well on its way to being completed. If you dont have them, they can usually be rented at a tool rental establishment. Remember to chock the wheels to prevent injury and always set the emergency brake.

Instructions

1

Park the car on level ground and place a block under the front wheel if doing the back or the back wheel if doing the front. Jack the car up accordingly and place jack stands underneath the car and let the jack down so the car rests on the jack stands.

2

Remove the lug nuts and the wheel. Locate and remove the brake caliper bolts with a socket and ratchet. Support the caliper with a bungee cord. Remove the brake pads if needed, but remember where they are so you can replace them in the same order.

3

Take the rotor off. If it sticks, tap it with a rubber mallet to loosen it up. Locate the ABS wire connected to the hub and trace it back to the plug, if applicable.

4

Break the spindle nut loose with the breaking bar and the spindle nut socket. Remove it along with the washer behind it.

5

Locate the wheel bearing assembly bolts. Remove them with the breaking bar and socket.

6

Install the slide hammer onto the lug studs and secure it with the lug nuts. Pay close attention to the bearing to prevent injury while using the slide hammer. In addition, remember how the backing plate is installed between the knuckle and the bearing to replace it in the same manner.

7

Sand the rust and corrosion off of the knuckle with medium to fine grade sandpaper. Clean it as good as you can so the new bearing fits snugly.

8

Place the new backing plate back where it belongs followed by the new bearing, aligning the splines as you go into the center of the hub. Thread the wheel bearing assembly bolts and tighten them down alternating between bolts to keep the bearings straight as they slide back into place. Tighten them as tight as you can with the breaking bar and the socket.

9

Install the new the washer and spindle nut and torque them properly followed by the brakes and the ABS plug. Next, put the wheel back on and tighten the lug nuts down.