Replacing a wheel bearing might seem daunting, but with the right approach and tools, it’s a task you can confidently tackle at home. Utilizing a comprehensive Autozone Car Tool Kit can significantly simplify this process, providing you with most of the necessary instruments. This guide outlines two effective methods for wheel bearing installation, ensuring a smooth and successful repair.
Method A: Direct Bearing Housing Installation
This method involves installing the new bearing directly into the housing before reassembling the hub flange. After removing the dust cover and parking brake hardware, you can proceed with installing the new bearing into the housing. Using a seal installation tool, carefully drive the bearing into place. Once seated, secure it with the c-clip. The final step in this method is hammering the flange back into position.
While Method A can be quicker, it carries a potential risk. Applying force directly to the flange to seat it might cause separation within the new bearing. This risk is amplified if the flange doesn’t align perfectly, potentially leading to premature bearing failure. However, anecdotal experience suggests that this method can be successfully employed, particularly with aftermarket hub flanges, where tolerances might be slightly different from OEM parts. If you encounter resistance or are working with a stock flange, proceeding to Method B is advisable to minimize risk.
It’s worth noting that attempting Method A with a stock flange, as experienced on a previous repair, resulted in the outer seal detaching and the bearing race beginning to press out of the bearing. This highlights the potential stress this method can place on the bearing during installation.
Method B: The Assembled Flange and Bearing Technique
Method B, sometimes referred to as the “T-Bones Goat method,” offers a more controlled approach to bearing installation. This technique involves pre-assembling the c-clip onto the flange first. Subsequently, the bearing is installed onto the flange, and this combined assembly is then inserted into the housing as a single unit.
A significant advantage of Method B is that it typically eliminates the need for heating components to fit the bearing onto the flange. To achieve this, you’ll need a tool that rests on the inner race of the bearing while accommodating the flange shaft. The old bearing race removed earlier from the flange is perfectly suited for this purpose. Combine it with a smaller cup from a bearing press set (often found in a comprehensive autozone car tool kit) and a flat, sturdy object like a seal driver disk or a bearing press set disk to distribute pressure. A Big F***ing Hammer (BFH) can then be used to drive the bearing onto the flange. Exercise caution to ensure you have sufficient clearance for hammering, preventing accidental damage to the shaft end.
With the bearing and flange pre-assembled, carefully position the entire unit and use a BFH along with a steel punch or similar tool. This punch acts as a force transfer medium, allowing you to apply hammer blows to the flange without damaging the wheel studs. Drive the assembly into the housing until it is firmly seated.
Installing the new c-clip can sometimes be a bit tricky, requiring patience and possibly specialized pliers often found in auto mechanic tool sets. If necessary, using the old hub-to-axle flange can help drive the new assembly in further. Again, be vigilant to avoid striking the hub flange shaft directly with excessive force, as this could lead to bearing separation, defeating the purpose of this more controlled method.
Final Steps and Torque Specifications
Once the bearing is installed using either method, the final steps are similar. Reinstall the wheel nut and torque it to the specified value. In this instance, a torque of 221 foot-pounds is mentioned. Always consult your vehicle’s repair manual for the precise torque specifications to ensure proper bearing preload and longevity.
Finally, reinstall the stamped steel retainer designed to prevent the nut from rotating. You might need to manipulate this retainer, stamping the tabs into new positions with a punch. It can be beneficial to remove and reshape the sides of the retainer with pliers to ensure a snug and secure fit before re-stamping it into place. This ensures the retainer effectively locks the nut and prevents loosening over time.
By following these methods and utilizing tools effectively, potentially from an autozone car tool kit, you can confidently perform a wheel bearing installation, saving on garage labor costs and gaining valuable DIY automotive experience. Remember to prioritize safety and consult your vehicle’s service manual for specific instructions and torque values.
