How to Replace the Front Hubs Bearings in an AWD

All Wheel Drive vehicles typically have sealed front wheel bearings, or hubs, and can require slightly more work to replace than standard hubs. Many times, the front hubs can be taken apart like normal hubs, others necessitate complete replacement of the entire hub assembly. Sealed hubs are more common on vehicles with independent front suspension, due to the stresses of torque in the design. The average backyard mechanic can replace the front bearings on most AWD vehicles in about an hour.

Instructions

1

Loosen the lug nuts on the front wheel with the lug nut wrench, turning each one counterclockwise. Do not remove the lug nuts at this time.

2

Place the floor jack underneath the vehicle's front frame rail and lift one front wheel off the ground.

3

Remove the lug nuts completely, and pull the wheel free of the lug bolts. Set the wheel aside, away from the work area. Also secure the lug nuts where they will not be lost.

4

Place a jack stand underneath the same frame rail as the floor hack head, and raise the support to its highest possible position.

5

Remove the brake caliper's mount bolts using a socket wrench, turning each counterclockwise. These two bolts are located on the rear of the caliper. Place them in a safe location.

6

Slide the caliper off of the brake rotor by firmly pushing the unit away from the center hub. Place the brake caliper -- still attached to the brake fluid lines -- onto the upper control arm, if possible. On some vehicles, it may be necessary to secure the caliper to the control arm with a zip-tie, or piece of wire.

7

Remove the cotter pin from the center axle thread by bending the open ends straight, using the pliers. Gently tap the pin up, through the small hole until it can be pulled free from the closed end. These cotter pins have a tendency to rust, and can simply be broken off with force if replacements are readily available.

8

Loosen the center axle nut with a large socket wrench -- 1/2-inch driver and deep well socket -- by turning it counterclockwise. Place the nut in a safe location.

9

Slide the brake rotor off the hub by pulling it firmly away from the assembly. Some rotors can rust with age, binding them to the hub. Spraying a small amount of lubricant into the seized area and gently tapping the hub can break the rotor free. Some vehicles may have two-piece wheel bearings, the outer of which could come out with the rotor. Check the manufacturer's technical specifications.

10

Detach the steering knuckle from the hub assembly, if required, by turning the nut counterclockwise while holding the bolt with a socket wrench.

11

Pull the hub from the axle spline by pulling it firmly away from the assembly. For completely contained bearings, replace the entire hub; for two-piece bearings, check the bearing pack for damage and repack with fresh grease, or replace.

12

Push the hub back onto the axle spline, and secure the steering knuckle, if applicable.

13

Replace the rotor by pressing it over the hub, packing the wheel bearings or replacing it entirely with fresh grease on two-piece designs.

14

Secure the axle nut by turning it clockwise. The nut has a small hole in it that will line up with the hole on the axle when it is tight enough. Do not over-tighten the nut.

15

Replace the cotter pin by pressing the open ends into the nut hole, then bending the ends around the axle threads with the pliers. This holds the axle nut, and prevents slippage.

16

Slide the caliper back over the rotor, and turn the mount bolts clockwise until they are very tight. The pads on most calipers will not fall out during this process, but watch them to make sure that they remain secure.

17

Replace the wheel and tighten the lug nuts clockwise. They do not have to be completely tight, but enough to remain seated.

18

Remove the jack stand and lower the vehicle by turning the floor jack's pressure screw counterclockwise.

19

Tighten the lug nuts completely.

20

Repeat the entire process on the opposite side.