How to Replace the Front Hub Assembly in a '98 Neon

The 1998 Dodge Neon base model came with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a five-speed manual transmission. The wheel hub, wheel bearing, and bearing race for each wheel are pressed into the center bore of the steering knuckle and are not contained together as an assembly. If the bearings need replaced, the wheel hub may be able to be used again but it may be a good idea to replace the hub as well to ensure a quality repair.

Instructions

Removal

1

Park the vehicle on a level surface and set the parking brake. Loosen the lug nuts on the wheel to be serviced with a lug wrench. Lift the front of the vehicle into the air with a floor jack and place jack stands under the front sub-frame rails. Lower the vehicle until it rests securely on the jack stands. Remove the wheel and tire from the vehicle and set it aside.

2

Straighten the legs of the axle shaft cotter pin and remove it with pliers. Remove the nut lock and spring washer. Instruct a helper to sit in the vehicle and apply the brakes. Loosen the axle shaft nut with a 32 mm socket and breaker bar. Instruct the helper to exit the vehicle.

3

Remove the bolts securing the brake caliper to the steering knuckle with a socket and ratchet. Pull outwards on the bottom of the brake caliper and then slide the top of the caliper away from the knuckle. Hang the brake caliper from the suspension with mechanics wire.

4

Grab the brake rotor firmly and slide it off of the wheel studs. Slide a wrench onto the tie-rod end nut. Hold the tie-rod end stud stationary with an 11/32-inch socket and ratchet and loosen the nut with a wrench. Install the tie-rod separator between the tie-rod end and the steering knuckle. Tighten the separator push bolt with a socket and ratchet until the tie-rod separates from the steering knuckle.

5

Hold the lower ball joint pinch bolt stationary with a wrench and loosen the pinch bolt nut with a socket and ratchet. Tap the ball joint pinch bolt out of the ball joint boss with a hammer. Place a pry bar between the lower ball joint boss and the lower control arm and pry downwards to remove the ball joint stud from the steering knuckle.

6

Wrap mechanics wire around the outer CV joint tripod and attach the mechanics wire to the suspension so that the CV shaft will be supported as straight as possible when the steering knuckle is removed. Hold the strut to steering knuckle bolt heads steady with a wrench and remove the securing nuts with a socket and ratchet. Tap the strut mounting bolts out of the knuckle and strut flange with a hammer; do not rotate the bolt at any time.

7

Pull outwards on the steering knuckle to remove the steering knuckle from the vehicle and allow the CV shaft to hang from the mechanics wire. Do not allow the CV shaft to hang from the inner joint or the shaft will have to be replaced.

8

Take the steering knuckle to a local repair shop to have the wheel hub and bearings removed and replaced from the steering knuckle. Do not attempt to do this yourself, as an arbor press is required for proper removal and installation of the bearing and hub.

Installation

9

Line up the splines of the wheel hub with the splines on the axle shaft and slide steering knuckle into position on the strut. Push the serrated strut bolts through the strut and steering knuckle. Install the strut mounting nuts and tighten them to 40 foot-pounds with a torque wrench followed by an additional 90 degrees.

10

Pry down on the lower control arm and guide the lower ball joint stud into the steering knuckle. Install the lower ball joint pinch stud and nut and tighten to 75 foot-pounds. Set the tie-rod end stud into the steering knuckle and install the Tie-rod end nut. Hold the tie-rod end stud stationary with an 11/32-inch socket and ratchet and tighten the nut to 40 foot-pounds with a torque wrench and crowfoot attachment.

11

Slide the brake rotor onto the wheel hub studs. Support the brake caliper by hand and remove the mechanics wire. Slide the top of the brake caliper into place and then push the lower part of the caliper into position. Install the caliper mounting bolts and tighten to 23 foot-pounds.

12

Install a new washer and spindle nut to the axle shaft. Instruct a helper to enter the vehicle and apply the brakes. Tighten the new spindle nut to 135 foot-pounds. Instruct the helper to exit the vehicle. Install a new spring washer and nut lock. Slide a new cotter pin through the nut lock and axle shaft and bend the legs of the pin around the nut lock in opposite directions. Install the wheel and tire to the vehicle. Install the lug nuts and tighten then hand tight.

13

Lift the front of the vehicle of the jack stands and remove the jack stands from under the vehicle. Lower the vehicle to the ground. Tighten the lug nuts to 100 foot-pounds in a crisscross pattern with a torque wrench.

14

Take the vehicle to a local repair shop to have the front end alignment checked and adjusted as necessary.