Changing wheel bearings, Press required?

[pt102]

Hey 37, thanks for the insight and expertise as it seems as you are in the industry. With luck I'm goin in also, and would understand not givin out trade secrets Thanks for the tip with the prybar. I found it easier to lift both sides, sway bar doin what it does makes it hard to reassemble.

I have been unable to find a hub/bearing assembly, except for the rear. The front only lists bearing. It appears the previous owner was rough on her, so replacing the whole thing could be optimal- as you stated, don't know if someone hit curb or what not.

Short on cash is main reason I want to DIY. Just bought the PT 2 months ago, and am strapped.

Thanks again

[Ashley77brown]

Originally Posted by 37plymouth

The hub/bearing is an assembly that is not servicable individually. The parts are available from a parts store or dealer, so you can check prices. The price your mechanic gave you isn't bad, unless you're short on cash, then it might as well be a million.
First, jack the car up on the bad side, second, remove the wheel, third, remove the brake caliper adapter which will take off the caliper/pads/adapter as an assembly. Adaptor is held on with 2 18mm screws going into the knuckle. Tie the assembly up to the spring with a piece of wire so that the brake hose is not taking the weight. remove the brake rotor and set aside. The axle nut is 1 1/4" and comes off next, good time to have air tools. The hub/bearing assembly is held to the steering knuckle on the inboard side by 3 screws. Screws are kinda tough to get to without a u-joint socket. Loosen and back the screws off about 1/8", but don't remove them. Soak down the hub flange on the outboard side with wd or the equivalent, give it a little time to work, then use a punch/drift and hammer to tap on the heads of the inboard screws to push the hub out of the knuckle. Do not try to aid removal of the hub by prying on it against the brake rotor backing plate. The backing plate will bend easily, then you'll hear a bunch of nasty scraping noises when you go down the road, you'll blame me for bad info, then take it to your mechanic where he'll bend the sheetmetal back into place, and charge you $400 to punish you for doing it yourself.......Takes a few minutes with a hoist, the right tools, and a little experience. Will probably take you a bit longer. Good luck with it!
P.S. the hub is NOT a press fit to the knuckle, no press required. Corrosion usually makes it seem like a lot tighter fit than it really is.

Hell, I have a 2003 PT. I am interested in changing the wheel bearing/hub myself....I have been looking at a few sites for the prices of the parts/tools. Do I need to purchase the bearing sepereate from the hub? Or is it one part? I cannot find just a hub for the front wheel, only the rear. And do I need any special tools to get this job done? Also, would you suggest removing the bearing/hub, and then taking it to my local mechanic? J/W because I read here where someone did that....Thanks for your time, your posts are very helpful!!

[lakersfan1]

Not a mechanic, an automotive machine shop. Some NAPA stores have a machine shop onsite. Otherwise, pop the phonebook and look. It's about as simple a job as it gets, so any auto or truck machine shop can handle it in minutes.

[b0b88]

lol 37, im gonna try to take my left front berring out and replace it this weekend!! wish me luck!!! and if i have any questions try not to go on vacation haha j/k

[b0b88]

Originally Posted by lakersfan1

I've never needed a puller to pull any hub on any car.

Just bring your thinking cap and patience with a rubber mallet and a pry bar. Then, if you get the point you're about to go on a homicidal binge you add booze and a heavy hammer. Always works out in the end.

LMAO GREAT SUGGESTION ON THE BOOZE

[cgleibrand]

hey 37plymouth i have a quick question for you. im currently in the middle of replacing my right front wheel bearing. ive read your breakdowns but just wanted to make sure im doing this correctly. is it safe to say that all the bolts attached to the hub/bearing assembly need to be removed? thanks for the info you've already shared.