How to Replace a Wheel Hub Assembly

A wheel hub assembly is a vital part on a vehicle, particularly in regards to how the vehicle feels while driving and how it handles. These assemblies are exactly the same as a normal wheel bearing and hub, except they can be changed out by just removing a few bolts. This makes it a maintenance item, which means it is much easier to replace when the time comes. When the wheel hub assembly is failing, you will notice a screeching sound coming from the wheel and loose steering.

Part 1 of 1: Replacing the wheel hub assembly

Materials Needed

  • â…œ drive ratchet
  • â…œ drive socket set - metric and standard
  • â…œ or ½ drive torque wrench
  • ½ Inch drive breaker bar
  • ½ Inch drive wheel socket set
  • ½ Inch drive metric and standard socket set
  • Allen set metric and standard sockets
  • Axle nut socket set
  • Brass hammer
  • Combination wrench set, metric and standard
  • Disposable gloves
  • Flashlight
  • Floor jack and jack stands
  • Pry bar

Step 1: Prepare your work area. Make sure the vehicle is on a level, safe surface, and you have set the parking brake.

loosen lug nuts

Step 2: Loosen the lug nuts. Use a ½ inch drive breaker bar and a lug nut socket set to loosen all the lug nuts and axle nuts (if applicable) before you jack the vehicle up in the air.

jacking up a vehicle

Step 3: Jack the vehicle up and use jack stands. Jack your vehicle up and put it on jack stands. Place the wheels off to the side, away from the work area.

Be sure to jack the vehicle up in the correct location; usually on the sides underneath there are pinch welds you can use to jack from. Then make sure you place the stands on the body or frame and lower it down onto the stands.

removing old wheel hub assembly

Step 4: Remove the old wheel hub assembly. Remove the axle nut if there is one on the vehicle. Then start disassembling the brakes by removing the caliper bolts and the bracket bolts.

Next, remove the rotor. If the vehicle has anti-lock brakes, disconnect any wiring harness plugs. Loosen all the bolts that hold the wheel hub assembly onto the knuckle. Once that is done, you should be able to remove the wheel hub assembly as a unit.

Step 5: Install the new wheel hub assembly and brake parts. Work in the reverse order of the way you removed everything. Start by bolting the new wheel hub assembly to the knuckle and connecting the ABS sensor connector if there was one.

Next, torque the bolts to specs, which can be found online or in the vehicle’s service manual. Install the rotor back onto the hub and start reassembling the brakes. Install the brake bracket back to the knuckle, Torque it, then install the pads and the caliper back onto the bracket and reinstall the axle nut (if applicable).

installing wheels back onto vehicle

Step 6: Reinstall the wheels. Place the wheels back onto the hubs using the lug nuts. Snug them all down with a ratchet and socket.

Removing jack stands

Step 7: Jack the vehicle back off of the jack stands. Grab the jack, place it in the correct spot under the vehicle, and jack the car up until you can remove the jack stands. Then you can lower the vehicle back onto the ground.

Proper way to torque wheels

Step 8: Torque the wheels. Most cars use a torque from 80 ft lbs to 100 ft lbs. SUVs and trucks usually use anywhere from 90 ft lbs to 120 ft lbs. Use a ½ inch torque wrench and torque the lug nuts to the proper specification.

test drive

Step 9: Test drive the vehicle. Since you had the brakes apart, make sure you pump the brake pedal a few times so the pads can reseat to the rotor. When test driving, make sure that you no longer have any noise coming from the hub bearing. If you do not hear anything then you can consider this job done.

This job can be accomplished with the right tools and knowledge, but there are quite a few parts and bolts to be removed and put back together. If you’d rather leave it to a professional, YourMechanic can complete a wheel hub assembly replacement at the time and place of your choice.


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Recent Wheel Hub Assembly Replacement reviews

Excellent Rating

(463)

Rating Summary
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James

27 years of experience
184 reviews
James
27 years of experience
Kia Optima L4-2.4L - Wheel Hub Assembly Replacement (Driver Side Front) - Nashville, Tennessee
Saw that you folks have many good mechanics but I wanted James because he is really old (just kidding). I wanted him because he has worked on cars for many years and I knew that he would be good and I was not let down. I really liked the fact that I knew that I could trust him after a very short amount of time. I see right through BS and there was none of that. He knew his stuff but did not try to throw smoke and mirrors at me. Did not try to be a know it all and if either of us had a bit of question or doubt about something he was very open and did not try to come off as superior or try to snow me. I am three months into a relearn about modern automobiles (I'm 76) and I bought a $450 scan tool. I completely replaced all vacuum hoses on this 2013 Kia, replaced the throttle body, removed the intake manifold and manually cleaned the intake valves. Also replaced the catalytic converter. Car runs like new. I discussed what I did with James and he approved of the stuff I did and gave me free and honest additional advice. When I go to the Kia dealership they act very "cagey" and distant. They deliberatly try to keep a wall between us. However the parts perople are a husband and wife team that are so sweet that it seems like I am in an old general store. That is the same vibe I get from James. I am much older than my wife and I will pass long before her. I have told her that she should stick with "Your Mechanic" when I am gone. I will also be using your fine tuned company in the near and distant future. I hope your other mechanics around middle Tn. are as good. Chris Harris, Nashville. Feel free to use my full name.
BMW 320i xDrive - Wheel Hub Assembly Replacement (Driver Side Front) - Antioch, Tennessee
James is excellent. Was very quick about getting the job done and knowledgeable about my car and answered a lot of questions.

Ben

42 years of experience
1589 reviews
Ben
42 years of experience
Honda Accord L4-2.4L - Wheel Hub Assembly Replacement (Passenger Side Rear) - Houston, Texas
Ben was very kind, helpful and fast! I did not have to miss work or anything because he showed up on time and got the job done! Thanks Ben!
Chevrolet Equinox - Wheel Hub Assembly Replacement (Driver Side Front) - Houston, Texas
Ben was timely, courteous and very professional. He arrived on time and went above and beyond customer service. He was efficient and did the job in a timely manner. I would highly recommend!

Gustavo

18 years of experience
575 reviews
Gustavo
18 years of experience
Chrysler PT Cruiser L4-2.4L - Wheel Hub Assembly Replacement (Driver Side Front) - San Antonio, Texas
Arrived ahead of schedule, and finished early. Gustavo also checked an issue that resulted from an alignment shop - issue still pending.

Thomas

13 years of experience
227 reviews
Thomas
13 years of experience
Cadillac SRX V6-3.0L - Wheel Hub Assembly Replacement (Driver Side Front, Passenger Side Front) - Arlington, Texas
Attention to detail. Excellent mechanic, knowledgeable and informative. I would use Thomas and your service again.

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