If your vehicle makes a chirping, squeaking, or whirring noises, or the wheels wobble, it may be time to replace the wheel bearings, the steel balls that help the tires rotate easily. Wheel bearings need replacing as soon as possible so that the wheels won't loosen from the vehicle.

You should be able to replace the bearings yourself, but some mechanic experience is helpful. Replace the wheel bearings by following these tips.

Prepare to Replace the Wheel Bearings

To replace wheel bearings, gather:

• work gloves 
• eye goggles
• rags 
• jack stands and wheel blocks
• screwdrivers
• pliers
• socket and ratchet set 
• torque wrench 
• bungee cord or wire clothes hanger 
• rubber mallet or hammer 
• new cotter pin (optional)
• bearing seal 
• bearing grease

Park the vehicle on a flat surface, set the parking brake and shut off the engine. Use the correct ratchet and socket, which is commonly ½, to loosen the lug nuts on the wheels, but don't remove nuts. 

Elevate the vehicle on jack stands, and slide wheel blocks under the opposite wheels, completely remove the tires and lay them aside. Store bolts and small parts in labeled containers or plastic freezer bags. Check for damaged parts as you work, and replace them.

Remove the Old Wheel Bearings

The wheel bearings are located on the hub of the vehicle. Damaged bearings often have visible rust, or the wheels will move excessively when you rock them. 

Use the 3/8 socket to disconnect the bolts on the brake caliper and the spindle bracket, remove the caliper with the screwdriver. Avoid letting the caliper dangle so that you won't damage the flexible brake hose. To keep the caliper secure fasten it to the suspension or undercarriage using a bungee cord or wire hanger.

 On some models, you will need to pry off the dust cap to reveal the cotter pin.(metal fastener). Use the pliers to remove the cotter pin, thrust washer, and retaining nut, then move the rotor forward to free the outer wheel bearings. To remove the inner wheel bearings, reinstall the retaining nut, pull the rotor from the spindle, then detach the grease seal.

Install the New Bearings

Use a rag to clean the hub assembly, and coat the larger bearing case with bearing grease. Lay the rotor on the ground or work surface back side up, and slide the bearing into the rotor, then attach the seal. Tap the bearing in place with the mallet or hammer, if needed.

Grease the smaller bearing, and slide it onto the spindle, and install washers and nuts. Install the new cotter pin,  then the retaining nut, giving it one-quarter turn beyond hand tight with the torque wrench. Reassemble the brake assembly and tires, then lower the vehicle. For more information, contact your local collision repair service.