How to Fix Rear Axle Bearings
The rear axle bearing, also called a wheel bearing, allows the wheel to turn smoothly and takes the strain off of the axles. Rear wheel bearings are typically a sealed unit and can be removed using basic tools. The symptoms of a worn wheel bearing include a low metallic grinding while the vehicle is moving. As the bearing fails completely, you should notice the scraping turn into a "whine". At this point you must fix the wheel bearing or you risk damaging the axles. To fix it, you must replace the entire unit.
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Things You'll Need
- Socket wrench
- Socket set
- Jack
- 2 jack stands
- Wheel blocks
- Tire wrench
- Torque wrench
- Impact wrench
- Air compressor
- Zip-ties
Instructions
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1
Place wheel blocks in front of the front wheels.
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2
Break the lug nuts loose on the vehicle using a tire wrench. To do this, turn the lugs 45 degrees counterclockwise.
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3
Raise the vehicle onto jack stands. Place the jack underneath the rear jack point and lift up on the vehicle.
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4
Place jack stands under the rear jack support points on the vehicle. These may be pinch welds underneath the passenger doors, or they may be located underneath the vehicle. Lower the vehicle onto the stands.
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5
Finish removing the lug nuts and pull the wheel off.
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6
Remove the bolts holding the brake caliper in place. Lift the caliper off the brake rotor and secure it to the coil springs above the brake system.
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7
Pull the brake rotor disc off the hub.
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8
Remove the hub nut using an impact wrench and pull the hub nut off along with the thrust washer behind it.
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9
Remove the rear wheel bearing hub.
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10
Install a new wheel bearing hub and tighten the hub nut to between 70 and 80 lbs-ft with a torque wrench depending on your vehicle.
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11
Slide the rotor back on, cut the zip-ties, lower the caliper back over the rotor, and tighten the caliper bolts to between 37 and 56 lbs-ft. depending on your vehicle.
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12
Put the wheel back on, lower the vehicle to the ground and tighten the lug nuts to between 75 and 105 lbs-ft. depending on your vehicle.
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1
Tips & Warnings
For specific information about your vehicle's torque specifications, and how to remove your vehicle's rear axle bearings, consult the particular vehicle's manual (see Resources).
