Wheel bearings and wheel hub assembly are important parts of your vehicle that help the wheel rotate smoothly. Although a wheel hub assembly can last as long as the life of a vehicle, it might have to be replaced if worn out. Front-wheel hubs and bearings witness increased stress, and wear and tear on the front engine and front-wheel drive cars.
If you suspect your vehicle’s wheel hub assembly is failing and you hear noises like humming, squeaking, and clicking, get your wheel hub checked. Perform a complete wheel hub assembly diagnosis to ensure it is properly functioning. If not, keep reading about how to replace a wheel hub assembly yourself.
In this article:
1. Step-by-Step Guide to Replace a Wheel Hub Assembly
- Loosen The Lug Nuts
- Lift The Car
- Loosen The Axle Nut
- Remove The Brake Caliper And Rotor
- Remove The Old Wheel Hub Assembly
- Prepare The New Wheel Hub Assembly
- Install The New Wheel Hub Assembly
- Install The Brake Rotor And Caliper
- Install The Axle Nut And Wheel
- Lower The Car And Tighten The Lug Nuts
- Double-check Your Work
- Take A Test Drive
2. Should I Replace The Wheel Hub Assembly Myself or Take It To the Mechanic?
3. Wheel Hub Assembly Replacement Tips
1. Step-by-Step Guide to Replace a Wheel Hub Assembly
Before replacing your car’s wheel hub assembly, there are several things that you should know. First, ensure the wheel hub assembly is designed to meet the required load rating. If you are planning to replace or install heavier wheels, buy a sturdy and high-load-rated wheel hub assembly. To ensure perfect fitment and learn how to buy the correct wheel hub assembly for your car, refer to our ultimate wheel hub assembly buying guide. Wheel hub assembly replacement costs in Canada can range from $220 to $580, depending on your car’s make and model.
Tools Required:
Loosen The Lug Nuts
Use the lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts that secure the wheel to the vehicle. Do not remove the lug nuts completely. It is important to do this before jacking up the vehicle, as the weight of the vehicle will help keep the tire in place while you loosen the lug nuts.
Lift The Car
Use a hydraulic jack to lift the car off the ground and support it on jack stands. This will give you room to work and make it easier to remove the tire and wheel. Remove the lug nuts and the wheel too.
Loosen The Axle Nut
If your vehicle or SUV has a hubcap, remove it. Now, remove the center wheel cap to expose the lug and axle nut. Loosen the axle nut using a breaker bar and an appropriate socket. Do not remove it completely. Some axles feature a cotter pin and lock cap to access the axle nut. Remove that too. It is advised to remove your axle nut before lifting your vehicle if you can access it.
Remove The Brake Caliper And Rotor
After lifting the vehicle and removing the wheels, use a wrench and socket to remove the brake caliper mounting bolts. Use a rotor-removal tool to remove the rotor from the hub assembly or tap between the studs to free the brake rotor from the hub. Some brake rotors feature Philip head screws that have to be removed using a screwdriver. Fully remove the axle nut too.
Remove The Old Wheel Hub Assembly
Gently tap the axle shaft with a hammer to free it from the splines in the hub center. Do not hammer the axle shaft end with force as it can damage it. Take a breaker bar or wrench and socket to remove the bolts that hold the wheel hub assembly to the spindle. Remove the ABS sensor wire, if present. Now use a wheel hub assembly removal tool or a slide hammer to remove the wheel hub assembly. Use penetrating fluid or WD-40 if it’s difficult to remove.
Prepare The New Wheel Hub Assembly
Clean and lubricate the new assembly, and install any necessary hardware such as mounting bolts or bearings. Use sandpaper or a cleaning solution to wipe off rust and grime from the wheel hub mounting surface on the spindle. Clean the splines of the shaft and inner hub mounting surface too.
Install The New Wheel Hub Assembly
Slide the new wheel hub assembly and the axle shaft together. Ensure the new wheel hub assembly is perfectly aligned and insert the bolts. Also, check your ABS wire for signs of damage and replace it. Some wheel hub assemblies are offered with new ABS wires. Use a torque wrench to tighten the wheel hub assembly bolts to the specifications listed in the vehicle’s service manual.
Install The Brake Rotor And Caliper
Align the brake rotor holes and wheel studs to mount the brake rotor properly. Attach the brake caliper and tighten it to the brake caliper mount. Ensure the ABS wires are properly routed and connected. Tighten the caliper bolts using a torque wrench to the recommended values. If you accidentally got grease or oil on your rotor surface, clean it up using a rag.
| Ford F150 (2004-2008) | Use a 13mm socket to loosen the bolts which hold the caliper. Then use an 18mm socket to loosen the 4 bolts which hold the wheel hub to the spindle. Lastly, use a 13mm socket to loosen the CV axle bolt, which will then separate the wheel hub. |
| Dodge Ram 1500 (2012-2017) | Use a 21mm socket to loosen the caliper bolts. Then use a 36mm socket to loosen the CV axle bolt along with a 21mm socket to loosen the axle from behind as well. Some gentle tap on the wheel hub and it’s out. Then use a 19mm socket to loosen the nuts at the back of the knuckle to loosen the wheel hub free. |
| Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (2007-2015) | Use a 35mm socket to loosen the CV axle nut and an 18mm wrench to loosen the upper ball joint nut. Then use a 15mm socket to loosen the three bolts holding the wheel hub. |
| Chevrolet Silverado 2500 (1999-2007) | Use a 21mm socket to loosen the brake caliper bolts. Then use a 36mm socket and a 15mm socket to loosen the CV axle nut and the 4 bolts from behind the knuckle that holds the wheel hub, respectively. |
| Honda Civic (2003-2005) | Use a 32mm socket to loosen the axle bolts and a 17mm socket to loosen the caliper bracket bolts. In this case, you may need a special tool to remove the wheel hub from the knuckle. |
| Toyota Corolla (1995-1999) | Use a 17mm socket to loosen the caliper bolts. Then use a 30mm socket to loosen the axle nuts. After that, remove the knuckle by using a 15,18mm and 19mm socket for the top 4 nuts that hold the knuckle, and a 17mm socket to loosen the three nuts of the lower ball joint to free up the knuckle. |
| Volkswagen Jetta (2006-2010) | Use an M18 Triple square bit to loosen the wheel hub. After doing so, the wheel hub will slide out easily. |
| Hyundai Elantra (2011-2016) | Use a 14mm wrench to loosen the caliper bolts. Then use a Phillips-head screwdriver to loosen the screw holding the disc to the hub. After that, use a 12mm socket to loosen the 4 bolts holding the wheel hub. |
| GMC Sierra 1500 (2007-2013) | Use a 36mm socket to loosen the axle nut. Then use an 18mm socket to loosen the bracket and a T30 torx bit to loosen the brake rotors. Lastly, use a 15mm socket to loosen the bolts holding the wheel hub. |
| Mazda 3 Series (2004-2013) | Use a T45 to loosen the brake caliper bolts. Then use a T50 to loosen the 4 bolts that hold the wheel hub from behind the knuckle. |
Install The Axle Nut And Wheel
Hand-tighten the axle nut. Before installing the wheels, ensure everything is tight and recheck all the systems. Install the wheel back on the vehicle and hand-tighten the lug nuts.
Lower The Car And Tighten The Lug Nuts
Use the hydraulic jack to lower the car back to the ground safely. Use the torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts and the axle nut to the recommended torque values. Install the hub and center caps.
Double-check Your Work
It is important to double-check your work after installing a new wheel hub assembly or making any repairs to your vehicle. Make sure all bolts and nuts are tightened to the proper torque specifications. Do check for any leaks in the brake system. Check the suspension and steering components for any issues. Double-checking your work will help ensure the safety and reliability of the vehicle.
Take A Test Drive
After you have tightened the new wheels and reassembled the vehicle, it is important to test drive the vehicle to ensure that everything is working properly. Ensure the vehicle handles normally and you don’t feel any pulling to one side. The brakes should also feel normal, without pulsing or unevenness during braking. If there are no symptoms and no unusual noises from the wheels or brakes, everything is fine. You have successfully replaced your car’s wheel hub assembly.
2. Should I Replace The Wheel Hub Assembly Myself or Take It To the Mechanic?
Whether to replace a car’s wheel hub assembly yourself or take it to a mechanic depends on a number of factors.
- One consideration is your level of mechanical expertise. Replacing a wheel hub assembly can be a complex task that requires specialized tools and knowledge.
- Another factor to consider is the availability of the necessary tools and equipment.
- Finally, you should also consider the time and effort involved in the repair. If you do not have the time or inclination to complete the repair yourself, it may be more convenient to take the car to a mechanic.
In conclusion, installing a wheel hub assembly is a complex task that requires specialized tools and knowledge. It is important to carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use the correct tools to ensure that the new assembly is installed properly and functions correctly. Failing to properly install a wheel hub assembly can lead to problems with steering and handling, as well as increased tire wear and potential safety issues.
3. Wheel Hub Assembly Replacement Tips
Although wheel hub assemblies are a part of routine car maintenance, improper installations can happen. This can lead to problems like unnecessary stress on the hub and CV axle, an uneven rotor, and brake pad wear. To reduce the chances of improper installation and related issues, it is necessary to consider the following steps:
1. Conduct A Thorough Diagnosis
Before replacing the wheel hub assembly, it’s important to perform a proper wheel hub assembly diagnosis to ensure that the wheel hub assembly is indeed faulty. If you’re unsure, it’s best to have a professional mechanic carry out the diagnostics for you.
2. Use Penetrating Oil
Applying penetrating oil to the hub bolts the night before the repair can help loosen them and make the replacement process easier.
3. Tools
Having the right tools, like an air compressor and a heavy-duty air impact wrench, can make the replacement process smoother. An air hammer with a socket adapter can also be useful for freeing stubborn hub bolts. Wheel hub assembly replacement can be challenging, especially if you live in an area that sees a lot of road salt in the winter. Years of accumulated rust and corrosion can make the job difficult.
4. Take Help From Professionals If Needed
If you’re unsure about the replacement process or don’t have the necessary tools and equipment, it’s best to have a professional mechanic carry out the replacement for you.
