CarCare
wheel bearing repacking
Continued from Page 1
Perfect Match
When replacing bearings always replace everything. Bearings, seals, races and so on, must all be replaced as a matched set. A wheel bearing tool set makes seating in the races and seals a breeze while a solid drift works much better than a screwdriver for batting bearings out of the hub.


Over-tightening the axle nut is a common cause of bearing failure. Tighten the nut while spinning the rotor or hub, then loosen it, then use about half as much force as it took to tighten it again. If there is question, consult the service manual for the correct torque specifications—don't guess. Finally, always use a new cotter pin, as it is cheap insurance against wheels liberating themselves from the axles.


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Photo Guide
remove bearing grease cup from hub
With the wheel and brake caliper removed, use a screwdriver to gently pry the bearing grease cup away from the hub. Turning the wheel a little each time helps get the job done.
remove cotter pin, retaining ring, spindle nut
Remove the cotter pin, retaining ring, and spindle nut then remove hub or rotor-hub assembly.
inspect bearing
Inspect the bearing and race for scoring, flat spots, or broken rollers. If all is well then repack with grease and skip to Step 10. If not, move to Step 4.
remove outer race from bearing hub
Use a drift and hammer to knock the outer race from the hub. Flip over the hub and use the same procedure to knock out the inner race, bearing, and seal.
pack new inner and outer whell bearings with grease
Pack the new inner and outer wheel bearings by either pressing grease into each roller by hand or using a bearing packer and grease gun. The idea is to force the grease into all the surfaces of the bearing.
selecting right size drift wheel bearing tool
Selecting the right size drift is the key to the wheel-bearing tool. Use a drift that is slightly smaller than the race or seal to be seated into the hub.
remove old bearing grease from inside hub
Remove old grease from inside hub. Use the wheel-bearing tool to seat inner race into hub. Place the bearing in the race and use the tool again to seat the grease seal. Flip over the hub and repeat for the outer race.
pack wheel bearing with grease
Pack a good amount, but do not completely fill inside the hub with grease. Clean all excess grease from outside the hub.
place hub on spindle
Place the hub on the spindle. While spinning the hub, tighten the nut just enough to seat the whole assembly. Loosen the nut then re-tighten to specifications. As a general rule, use about half as much torque as it took to seat the assembly. Do not over-tighten!
pack grease into bearing and cup
Pack more grease into the bearing and bearing cup, replace retaining ring and secure with a new cotter pin. Gently replace the bearing grease cup being careful not to dent it as dents can cause interference. Remove all grease from the outer surface of the hub or rotor. Grab the top and bottom of the hub and check for play.



Related Articles
Wheel Repair and Straightening
Inexpensive Wheel Upgrade
New Wheel Attire
Aluminum Wheel Repair
Servicing Wheel Bearings


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