Front Wheel Bearing / Hub Assembly Replacement

Procedure

1. 1
   Step

   The steering knuckle does not need to be completely removed from the front strut to replace the wheel hub and bearing assembly, but it must be partially disconnected to allow drive shaft separation from the hub splines.

2. 2
   Step

   According to the factory service manual procedure, the brake caliper (hung aside with wire), brake rotor, and wheel speed sensor are removed

3. 3
   Step

   the axle lock nut is removed and the drive shaft is disengaged from the hub

4. 4
   Step

   the stabilizer connecting rod is disconnected from the strut bracket

5. 5
   Step

   the outer tie-rod end is separated from the steering knuckle

6. 6
   Step

   and the transverse link (lower control arm ball joint) lower pinch bolt/nut is removed to separate the transverse link from the knuckle.

7. 7
   Step

   The drive shaft is then pulled free from the hub, allowing the 4 wheel hub and bearing assembly mounting bolts and splash guard to be removed.

8. 8
   Step

   Complete removal of the steering knuckle from the vehicle is only necessary if servicing the knuckle itself, which requires removing the upper strut pinch bolt/nut and spreading the slot to separate the knuckle from the strut.

9. 9
   Step

   Not applicable.

10. 10
    Step

    The front wheel bearing is an integrated Gen 3 bolt-on wheel hub and bearing assembly secured to the steering knuckle with 4 bolts.

11. 11
    Step

    No hydraulic press work, support fixturing, or snap ring/retaining ring servicing is used or required.

12. 12
    Step

    While the vehicle is on the ground with the parking brake set (or with an assistant holding the brake pedal), remove the wheel center cap, pull the cotter pin and lock nut retainer, and break loose the 32mm front axle spindle nut.

13. 13
    Step

    Break loose the 21mm wheel lug nuts.

14. 14
    Step

    Raise and safely support the vehicle on jack stands, then remove the front wheel.

15. 15
    Step

    Gently pull the sensor body straight out without twisting or pulling the wire harness, and unclip the harness bracket.

16. 16
    Step

    Secure the sensor away from the working area to prevent impact damage.

17. 17
    Step

    Lift off the caliper and bracket as an assembly and suspend it securely from the coil spring using a caliper hanger wire.

18. 18
    Step

    Mark rotor position relative to hub studs and pull off the brake rotor.

19. 19
    Step

    Unthread the axle lock nut.

20. 20
    Step

    Tap the axle stub inward with a brass drift or wood block (or use a puller if seized) to push the axle shaft splines free of the hub bore.

21. 21
    Step

    Remove the 4 rear-facing 17mm hub mounting bolts through the access holes behind the steering knuckle.

22. 22
    Step

    Remove the old hub bearing assembly and brake splash shield.

23. 23
    Step

    If corrosion-bonded into the knuckle bore, use a hub puller, slide hammer, or backing bolt push method.

24. 24
    Step

    Never hammer against aluminum knuckle mounting ears.

25. 25
    Step

    Clean corrosion and debris thoroughly from the knuckle bore and splash shield mating surfaces with a wire brush.

26. 26
    Step

    Apply a light film of anti-seize to the knuckle bore (keeping the magnetic sensor pickup area clean).

27. 27
    Step

    Reinsert CV axle into hub splines.

28. 28
    Step

    Reattach suspension links and torque fasteners to spec.

29. 29
    Step

    Reinstall ABS sensor and torque bolt to 7 lb-ft (10 N·m).

30. 30
    Step

    Install axle nut and torque to 188 lb-ft (255 N·m) with brakes held, install lock nut retainer cap, and insert a new 40073-0L700 cotter pin.

31. 31
    Step

    Test drive above 19 mph to verify ABS lamp self-clear.

32. 32
    Step

    Support the removed or displaced caliper independently -- from the structure, a fixture, or a dedicated hanger. Never let its weight rest on, or hang from, the flexible brake hose. For this vehicle, verified research describes: Gently pull the sensor body straight out without twisting or pulling the wire harness, and unclip the harness bracket.

33. 33
    Step

    Raise the vehicle and support it on jack stands (or a lift) rated for its weight before working underneath it. Do not work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.

34. 34
    Step

    Support a freed CV axle or halfshaft once it is out of the hub. Do not let it hang unsupported by its own weight -- the inner plunge joint can overextend or separate. For this vehicle, verified research describes: Raise and safely support the vehicle on jack stands, then remove the front wheel.

35. 35
    Step

    When pressing a wheel bearing or hub assembly, apply press force only to the race or part being installed, with the opposite race and the housing properly supported underneath. Never press force through an unsupported bearing race.

36. 36
    Step

    Separate a ball joint using a proper separator -- a puller, a correctly used pickle fork, or a press -- not a hammer. Control the joint's range of motion as it releases so nearby components are not damaged or dropped.