Replace the front press-in wheel bearing by removing the hub assembly from the steering knuckle, pressing out the old bearing, and installing a new bearing using a hydraulic press.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front wheel bearing × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Axle nut × 1 — 90179-44011 or equivalent
• Cotter pin (if equipped) or stake-type nut × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Snap ring (hub retaining) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Loosen but do not remove wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
3. Loosen the 32mm axle nut while vehicle is on ground (requires significant force)
4. Raise and support vehicle on jack stands at manufacturer lift points
5. Remove wheel and tire assembly completely
6. Spray all fasteners with penetrating oil if corrosion is present

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove brake caliper and rotor
   Remove the two brake caliper mounting bolts and carefully lift the caliper off the rotor. Hang the caliper from the strut spring or body using a wire hanger or caliper hanger - never let it hang by the brake hose. Remove the brake rotor by pulling it off the hub. If stuck, use two M8 bolts threaded into the rotor's removal holes to push it off.
2. 2

   Disconnect ABS wheel speed sensor
   Locate the ABS wheel speed sensor on the back of the steering knuckle. Disconnect the electrical connector by pressing the release tab. Remove the sensor mounting bolt and carefully pull the sensor out of the knuckle bore. Set aside to prevent damage during disassembly.
   Torque spec

   ABS Sensor Bolt10 Nm (8 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove axle nut and disconnect tie rod end
   Completely remove the 32mm axle nut that was previously loosened (remove cotter pin first if equipped, or grind off staked portion). Remove the tie rod end castle nut and use a ball joint separator to disconnect the tie rod end from the steering knuckle. Do not hammer directly on the tie rod threads.
4. 4

   Separate lower ball joint
   Remove the two bolts securing the lower ball joint to the steering knuckle. These are typically 17mm head bolts. Pull the knuckle outward and down to separate from the lower control arm. You may need to use a pry bar for leverage.
5. 5

   Remove strut-to-knuckle bolts
   Remove the two bolts connecting the steering knuckle to the strut assembly. These are typically on the rear side of the knuckle. Support the knuckle and hub assembly as you remove the final bolt to prevent it from falling.
6. 6

   Remove hub and knuckle assembly
   With all connections separated, pull the hub and knuckle assembly away from the vehicle. Remove the axle shaft from the hub bore - it should slide out once the assembly is clear. If the axle is stuck in the hub, tap it gently with a plastic mallet. Place the knuckle assembly on a clean workbench.
7. 7

   Remove hub from knuckle
   Remove the snap ring from the back side of the knuckle that retains the hub. Using a hydraulic press with proper support fixtures, press the hub out of the bearing inner race from the front (wheel) side. The hub should press out leaving the bearing inner race, outer race, and balls in the knuckle. Support the knuckle from behind, applying force only to the hub shaft.
8. 8

   Remove old bearing from knuckle
   With the hub removed, remove the outer snap ring from the knuckle bore that retains the bearing. Using a press and bearing driver that contacts only the outer race, press the old bearing assembly out of the knuckle. Press from the back (inboard) side, supporting the knuckle at the front. Inspect the knuckle bore for damage, scoring, or corrosion.
   ⚠Press only on the outer bearing race. Pressing on the inner race or rollers will damage the press tooling and may shatter the bearing.
9. 9

   Clean and prepare knuckle
   Thoroughly clean the bearing bore in the knuckle using a wire brush and clean shop towels. Remove all rust, old grease, and debris. Inspect for cracks or damage. The bore should be smooth and clean. Clean the hub shaft where it contacts the inner bearing race, removing any burrs or damage with fine emery cloth.
10. 10

    Press new bearing into knuckle
    Position the new bearing squarely into the knuckle bore from the front (wheel) side. Using the press with a bearing driver that contacts ONLY the outer race, carefully press the bearing straight into the bore until it bottoms out against the internal shoulder. Ensure the bearing is fully seated and square. Install the outer snap ring into its groove to retain the bearing.
    ⚠The bearing must be pressed perfectly square. Any cocking or misalignment will damage the bearing and knuckle. Use proper bearing driver adapters.
11. 11

    Press hub into new bearing
    Apply a thin film of clean brake assembly grease to the hub shaft. Position the hub into the bearing from the back (inboard) side of the knuckle. Using the press with support under the inner bearing race, press the hub into the bearing inner race until fully seated. The hub should be centered and flush. Install the inner snap ring to retain the hub assembly.
12. 12

    Reinstall knuckle assembly to vehicle
    Guide the axle shaft through the hub bore and position the knuckle assembly onto the strut. Install the strut-to-knuckle bolts and tighten to specification. Reconnect the lower ball joint and install both bolts finger-tight. Reconnect the tie rod end and install a new castle nut. Thread the new axle nut onto the axle shaft several turns by hand but do not torque yet.
13. 13

    Install ABS sensor and brake components
    Apply a small amount of anti-seize to the ABS sensor and carefully insert it into the knuckle bore. Install the sensor bolt and torque to specification. Install the brake rotor onto the hub, ensuring it sits flush. Install the brake caliper over the rotor and torque the caliper mounting bolts to specification.
    Torque spec

    ABS Sensor Bolt10 Nm (8 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Final torque all fasteners
    Torque the strut-to-knuckle bolts, lower ball joint bolts, and tie rod end castle nut to their specified values per factory service manual. Install a new cotter pin in the tie rod castle nut. Install the wheel and torque lug nuts in a star pattern to specification.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Torque axle nut with vehicle on ground
    Lower the vehicle so the wheel is on the ground with full weight. Apply the parking brake or have an assistant apply the brake pedal. Using a torque wrench, torque the new axle nut to 250 Nm (184 lb-ft). If using a castle nut design, install a new cotter pin. If using a stake-type nut, use a punch to stake the nut collar into the axle shaft groove at the designated staking points.
    ⚠️Axle nut must be torqued with vehicle weight on the ground and wheel prevented from rotating. Improper torque will cause bearing failure or wheel separation.
    Torque spec

    Axle Nut250 Nm (184 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. All fasteners have been covered in the procedure steps above
2. Ensure the axle nut is properly secured with a new cotter pin or staked correctly - this is critical for safety
3. Verify the ABS sensor connector is fully seated and locked

Verification

• Rotate the wheel by hand - it should spin freely without binding, roughness, or noise
• Check for any wheel play by grasping the tire at 12 and 6 o'clock positions and attempting to rock it - there should be no perceivable movement
• Start the vehicle and verify the ABS warning light goes off after a few seconds
• Test drive the vehicle at low speed in a safe area, listening for any bearing noise or vibration
• Recheck axle nut torque after 50-100 miles of driving

More procedures for this vehicle