## How to Remove a Whole Wheel Bearing Hub Assembly and Tire
### Materials You’ll Need:
– Jack and jack stands
– Lug wrench
– Impact wrench or breaker bar
– 19mm or 21mm socket
– Hub removal tool
– New wheel bearing hub assembly
– New tire (if necessary)
### Safety Precautions:
– Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
– Place wheel chocks behind the wheels opposite the one you’re working on.
– Wear safety glasses and gloves.
– Follow all manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
### Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Loosen the Lug Nuts:
– Use the lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts on the wheel you’re removing, but do not remove them completely.
2. Raise the Vehicle:
– Position the jack next to the wheel you’re working on and raise the vehicle until there is approximately 6 inches of clearance between the ground and the tire.
– Secure the vehicle on jack stands for stability.
3. Remove the Lug Nuts and Wheel:
– Remove the loosened lug nuts by hand.
– Grasp the tire firmly and pull it straight towards you to detach it from the wheelbase.
4. Disconnect the Brake Caliper:
– Locate the brake caliper on the side of the wheel bearing hub assembly.
– Use a 19mm or 21mm socket to unbolt the brake caliper bolts.
– Gently lift the brake caliper off the rotor and secure it with a bungee cord or wire to prevent it from hanging by the brake hose.
5. Disconnect the ABS Sensor:
– If applicable, locate the ABS sensor on the wheel bearing hub assembly.
– Disconnect the electrical connector from the sensor.
6. Remove the Hubcap:
– Use a flathead screwdriver or hubcap removal tool to pry off the hubcap that covers the center of the wheel bearing hub assembly.
7. Remove the Cotter Pin:
– Locate the cotter pin that holds the spindle nut in place.
– Use a pair of needle-nose pliers to straighten out the cotter pin and remove it.
8. Remove the Spindle Nut:
– Use an impact wrench or breaker bar with a 19mm or 21mm socket to remove the spindle nut.
9. Separate the Hub Assembly from the Spindle:
– Use a hub removal tool or a large hammer (with caution) to tap on the back of the wheel bearing hub assembly.
– This will help to separate the hub assembly from the spindle.
10. Remove the Wheel Bearing Hub Assembly:
– Pull the wheel bearing hub assembly straight towards you to detach it from the spindle.
11. Install the New Wheel Bearing Hub Assembly:
– Clean the spindle and hub mating surfaces with a wire brush.
– Apply a light coating of anti-seize to the spindle.
– Position the new wheel bearing hub assembly over the spindle and gently tap it into place with a hammer.
12. Install the Spindle Nut:
– Hand-tighten the spindle nut onto the spindle.
– Use an impact wrench or breaker bar to tighten the spindle nut further, but avoid overtightening.
13. Install the Cotter Pin:
– Insert a new cotter pin through the hole in the spindle nut.
– Bend the ends of the cotter pin over to secure it.
14. Reconnect the ABS Sensor:
– If applicable, reconnect the ABS sensor to its electrical connector.
15. Reinstall the Brake Caliper:
– Position the brake caliper back over the rotor.
– Bolt the brake caliper into place using the removed bolts.
– Tighten the bolts to their specified torque.
16. Reinstall the Wheel:
– Lift the wheel onto the wheelbase and align it with the lug nuts.
– Hand-tighten the lug nuts onto the wheel studs.
17. Lower the Vehicle:
– Carefully lower the vehicle by removing the jack stands.
18. Tighten the Lug Nuts:
– Use the lug wrench to fully tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern.
– Torque the lug nuts to their specified value using a torque wrench.
19. Replace the Hubcap:
– Press the hubcap back into place over the center of the wheel bearing hub assembly.
20. Double-Check Everything:
– Double-check that all bolts, nuts, and connections are properly tightened and secure.
– Ensure that the brake caliper is not rubbing against the rotor.
– Go for a short test drive and listen for any unusual noises or vibrations.
### Tips:
– If you encounter any seized components, use penetrating oil to help loosen them.
– When reinstalling the brake caliper, apply a small amount of brake grease to the back of the brake pads to reduce noise.
– Refer to your vehicle’s repair manual for specific torque specifications.
– If you are not confident performing this task yourself, seek assistance from a qualified mechanic.