How to Change a Wheel Hub
The hub is the central component in a vehicle's suspension. It ties the upper and lower control arms together as well as the shock and oil assembly. The hub also holds the wheel in place and houses the brake rotor and caliper. Changing the wheel hub involves at least an hour if you've never done it before, but you can do it with a few simple tools.
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Things You'll Need
- Jack
- 2 jack stands
- Socket wrench
- Socket set
- Breaker bar
- Pliers
- Tire wrench
- Impact wrench
- Air compressor
Instructions
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1
Loosen the wheel lug nuts by turning them 45 degrees counterclockwise with a tire wrench.
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2
Raise the vehicle onto jack stands. Place the floor jack under the front jack point behind the radiator and jack up on the vehicle. Place jack stands under each of the front pinch welds located underneath the front driver and passenger side doors on the underside of the vehicle.
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3
Continue removing the lug nuts and pull the wheel off the wheel hub.
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4
Pull the cotter pin from the axle nut located in the center of the wheel hub and remove the axle nut using a socket wrench and a breaker bar. The breaker bar slides over the end of the socket wrench handle and is good for extra leverage. You'll need it when removing this bolt as they tend to be on there very tight. Alternatively, you can use an impact wrench connected to an air compressor to remove this nut.
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5
Support the lower control arm and wheel hub with a jack. Compress the shock to "ride height" (the compression of the shock when the vehicle is on the ground) to take pressure off the control arm bolts while you remove them.
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6
Remove the bolt connecting the upper control arm to the wheel hub.
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7
Remove the bolt connecting the lower control arm to the wheel hub.
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8
Lower the jack and remove the bolts holding the tie rod to the wheel hub.
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9
Pull the wheel hub off and install a new wheel hub. Installation is the reverse of removal.
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Tips & Warnings
For specific information on changing the wheel hub on your vehicle, consult the particular vehicle's manual.
