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Replacing rear wheel bearings or a wheel hub is one of the most common and critical automotive maintenance jobs you can do yourself. A worn or failed wheel bearing can create grinding noises, vibration, uneven tire wear, and even unsafe driving conditions. This guide breaks down the entire process, from diagnosis to reassembly, so you can tackle the job with confidence.
Wheel bearings allow your wheel to spin smoothly with minimal friction. When they wear out, they can produce grinding or humming noises at speed, cause vibration in the steering wheel or vehicle body, lead to uneven tire wear, and trigger ABS warning lights or steering instability. Common driving conditions such as potholes, heavy loads, or age-related wear can shorten bearing life. Most rear wheel bearings should last between 85,000‑100,000 miles under normal use.
Before you start, make sure you have a floor jack and jack stands, socket and wrench set, torque wrench, hammer or mallet, slide hammer or bearing puller tool, penetrating oil, grease and cleaning solvent, and new wheel bearings or hub assembly depending on your vehicle. Always work on a flat surface, use quality jack stands, disconnect your battery, and wear eye protection.
Loosen lug nuts while the vehicle is still on the ground. Use the floor jack to lift the rear of the vehicle and secure it with jack stands. Remove the lug nuts completely and take off the wheel.
Unbolt the brake caliper from the mounting bracket and hang it safely to avoid stressing the brake hose. Slide the brake rotor off the hub. If it is stuck, gently tap with a hammer.
Locate and loosen the central axle nut if your vehicle has a rear drive axle. The axle nut may be covered by a dust cap. Loosen but don’t fully remove until later.
For modern vehicles with hub bearing assemblies, unbolt the hub and pull it out once the axle and brake components are clear. For older vehicles with pressed-in bearings, use a bearing puller or slide hammer to remove the old bearing. Penetrating oil can help with rusted parts. Carefully unplug any ABS sensors or tone rings before removal.
Clean the knuckle and hub area thoroughly. Inspect for corrosion, burrs, or damage, and confirm that the new parts match the old ones exactly.
For hub assembly replacement, slide the new hub into place, line up bolt holes, torque bolts to manufacturer specifications, and reinstall the axle nut. For pressed-in bearings, use a hydraulic press or appropriate bearing driver to seat the new bearings evenly and squarely, applying force only to the bearing race to avoid damage.
Reinstall the brake rotor, reattach the caliper, and torque bolts. Mount the wheel back on and tighten lug nuts by hand. Lower the vehicle and torque lug nuts in a star pattern with a torque wrench.
After installation:
· Double‑check all torque values
· Ensure the wheel spins freely without resistance
· Take a short test drive at low speed
· Listen for unusual humming or vibration
If you still hear noise, there may be a misalignment or incorrect installation — double‑check all steps.
✔ Not disconnecting ABS sensor before removal
✔ Using excessive force on the bearing rollers
✔ Forgetting to torque nuts to spec
✔ Reusing worn or damaged hardware
Replacing rear wheel or hub bearings yourself can save significant labor costs and restore smooth, quiet driving. Whether swapping a complete hub assembly or pressing new bearings, following a systematic procedure is the key to success. Work safely, use proper tools, and consult your vehicle’s service manual for specific torque values or model variations. With care and the right approach, this DIY job is well within reach for any confident home mechanic.
Shindary Automotive Parts Co., Ltd.
