Wheel bearing hub replacement

[theax40]

So, little over a month ago a slight growling/humming started and has since gotten louder and louder. To the point where its rattling my interior. It goes up and down with the speed (starting around 35mph) and goes away completely when I turn to the left; going straight or turning right it stays the same. Two days ago, *ding ding ding* and the traction control is off and the Anti Lock light is on.

Left side front wheel bearing? I'm may be mechanically inclined, but I'm no mechanic. The most I've done to maintain a car is changing breaks, and I've never diagnosed a bad bearing hub. So before I go any further, just wanted to make sure I'm on the right track and wanted to know if you guys think I can take care of this myself, instead of paying someone else to do it.

I've watched a few videos, and read everything this site has on the topic. Seems pretty straight-forward and doesn't seem too difficult or over my head. I just want to get this fixed ASAP and not have to part with more money than is necessary.

Thanks guys

[Bing]

Do you have a decent hand tool selection?

How about air tools/air compressor, do you have access to them or do you have your own set?

These are questions that are a deciding factor in being able to do it yourself, IMHO.

[theax40]

I will have help from at least one friend with certainly more knowledge than myself. I'll have to go buy the socket for the axel nut, 33mm I believe. I will have access to hand tools, but whether or not I'll have air tools depends on if I want to wait another 4 days for the guy who has that garage to get back into town. Otherwise, I'll try it at another friends garage sans air compressor on Sunday.

It's just become so loud that I can't bear to listen to it anymore. I miss how quiet it used to ride

Edit: 34mm

[vogie01]

You can do it with simple hand tools, and if you don't have a breaker bar or the 36mm nut you can rent it from one of the many parts stores. Air tools make it easier just make sure to use anti- seize on everything for the next time.

[theax40]

So is it 34mm or 36mm? I need to be sure if I have to spend $10-15 on a socket.

[vogie01]

It was 36mm if my memory serves me correctly, but I would check at the parts store before you buy it. I think the 01's have some differences but I can't remember what they are.

Some people on here say the sizes, but when I go to do the job I find them to be completely different. My best example is the torx size for the seats. Mine were a couple of sizes smaller than what is stated on here. I would find a ride or second vehicle just in case it is wrong and check the size yourself.

[theax40]

Alright thanks man. Hopefully this goes well.

[00Beast]

It is 34 MM. I am 100% certain.

[vogie01]

It is 34 MM. I am 100% certain.

You said that with the seats, and you were wrong.

[00Beast]

Socket I've used 4 times to change the hubs on my car.

[theax40]

Lol yea that's why I'm just gonna buy it. Only doing the one hub that's obviously bad so I'll have the socket to do the others as they go as well.

[00Beast]

Only the front two have a center nut, the rears are just held in with perimeter bolts, IIRC.

[theax40]

So then maybe I shouldn't buy it and just rent the set they have instead? They said they only take a $50 deposit and refund it when you return the set.

[00Beast]

It all depends on what you want. I knew I might as well buy it, as I have used it 4x, and I live 20 miles from the parts store, so it's a hassle to go return it.

[theax40]

I'll just rent since I drive by the parts store everyday!!

[candybonne]

It's easy to install. You can turn the wheel to help you get to all of the bolts on the back side. I have done it 4 times in the past 2 months. Tried to be cheap and bought used hubs. Ended up changing everything to National bearings. Don't buy the cheapo hubs. Also if you don't have a breaker bar like me you can use a jack handle a long one cause the axle nut is pretty tight.

Good Luck!

[00Beast]

Any impact, even a cordless or corded electric, will make the axle nut job much easier. If the threads are gunked up or nasty, hit it with some penetrant while you're removing the brakes, makes it go much easier.

[vogie01]

Socket I've used 4 times to change the hubs on my car.

That is nice and all, but it doesn't change the fact that mine is a 36mm.

[theax40]

Thanks for the info. One thing I'm wondering is what to do if the hub wont come loose from the axle spindle after removing all bolts. I've read you can give the spindle a few wacks with a hammer to knock it loose, but other places say you can damage the CV joint doing this and that you should use a hub puller or slide hammer to remove it. I can just rent one from the parts store, but I'd like to avoid that step if you guys advise that I'd be okay with just a hammer.

[00Beast]

Mine have all fallen off, and a hammer has seemed to work for others with no ill affects.