Replaced front wheel bearings-fixed front end shake
#1
Replaced front wheel bearings-fixed front end shake
I finally got around to replacing my front bearings. The left had been making a howling noise when cornering and just recently started making a more serious grinding noise while breaking and turning. Thought I'd replace both at the same time, and why not put new pads and rotors on while I got the Discover card out?
Was a pretty straightforward job although it took me several trips to the store to get the right tools. The tech article on states a T50 torx and mine required a T55. The correct spindle socket I found to be 34mm. I put it all back together and noticed my front end vibration went away (several shops have done balances, inspections and an alignment and have not been able to fix it or find anything wrong with it).
I can post my instructions and picts if anybody'* interested.
Was a pretty straightforward job although it took me several trips to the store to get the right tools. The tech article on states a T50 torx and mine required a T55. The correct spindle socket I found to be 34mm. I put it all back together and noticed my front end vibration went away (several shops have done balances, inspections and an alignment and have not been able to fix it or find anything wrong with it).
I can post my instructions and picts if anybody'* interested.
#5
Bearing procedure
Actually, I'm not sure where I got the tech article on how to do it. I downloaded to my computer a few months back and I don't recall..
Anyway, here is some more detail of the procedure and a few picts:
Before jacking the car up, loosen the front wheel lug nuts and spindle nut (34MM)
Jack the car up, put in jack stands
Remove the wheels
Remove the brake caliper (3/8 Allen) and suspend it with a wire
Remove the brake rotor
Remove the spindle nut and tap the axle spindle in so it is no longer attached to the bearing (I used a hammer and a 1/4" drift- it didn't take much effort.
Disconnect the ABS sensor wire and remove the connector from the backing plate
Using a fairly long T55 Torx, remove the bolts holding the bearing housing to the knuckle. I mention using a long torx as you have to pass the torx bit through a hole in the hub flange to get to the bolt.
Remove the brake backing plate
Pry or tap the bearing housing out. It will take a little work but mine came out with out too much force. Carefully pull it out, feeding the ABS wire and connector through the bearing housing. From the photo you will see that my ABS sensor separated from the bearing housing (not good).
Installation is the reverse.
Yeah, I though about painting my calipers while they were off but I though I'd save it for a later project when I could spare more down time.
Here'* a picture of old and new (note damaged ABS sensor):
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/steven...1d.jpg&.src=ph
Heres a picture of the new bearing installed:
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/steven...f2.jpg&.src=ph
Here'* a picture of all the new hardware installed:
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/steven...c8.jpg&.src=ph
Anyway, here is some more detail of the procedure and a few picts:
Before jacking the car up, loosen the front wheel lug nuts and spindle nut (34MM)
Jack the car up, put in jack stands
Remove the wheels
Remove the brake caliper (3/8 Allen) and suspend it with a wire
Remove the brake rotor
Remove the spindle nut and tap the axle spindle in so it is no longer attached to the bearing (I used a hammer and a 1/4" drift- it didn't take much effort.
Disconnect the ABS sensor wire and remove the connector from the backing plate
Using a fairly long T55 Torx, remove the bolts holding the bearing housing to the knuckle. I mention using a long torx as you have to pass the torx bit through a hole in the hub flange to get to the bolt.
Remove the brake backing plate
Pry or tap the bearing housing out. It will take a little work but mine came out with out too much force. Carefully pull it out, feeding the ABS wire and connector through the bearing housing. From the photo you will see that my ABS sensor separated from the bearing housing (not good).
Installation is the reverse.
Yeah, I though about painting my calipers while they were off but I though I'd save it for a later project when I could spare more down time.
Here'* a picture of old and new (note damaged ABS sensor):
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/steven...1d.jpg&.src=ph
Heres a picture of the new bearing installed:
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/steven...f2.jpg&.src=ph
Here'* a picture of all the new hardware installed:
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/steven...c8.jpg&.src=ph
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post