Automotive mechanics and DIY fans use wheel-bearing tools to replace or inspect wheel bearings. Yes, the complexity of these tools depends on which vehicle they need to be used and the particular model as well. Although using a wheel-bearing tool might seem like an easy task, in reality, the procedure involves many major steps.
If the introduction triggered your technical side, then allow the blog to teach you how to use a wheel-bearing tool. It will include the equipment you need, the steps, and tips for your safety.
Assemble The Necessary Tools and Equipment
The first step before making a move to start anything is to assemble the necessary tools and equipment. The same formula is applied to how to use a wheel-bearing tool as well. They are as follows:
Wheel Bearing Tool Set
You need a wheel bearing tool set, where you will come across a hub puller, a bearing race installer, and a bearing race remover.
Jack and Jack Stands
How will you safely lift the vehicle? The answer is by placing jack and jack stands.
Lug Wrench
A lug wrench will come in handy to remove and replace the lug nuts.
Torque Wrench
When you reinstall the lug nuts, you will need to ensure to place the appropriate torque, hence the torque wrench will serve the purpose.
Grease Gun
When you replace the old bearing with a new one, you will lubricate that with the assistance of a grease gun.
Hammer
If the components are not fixed properly, then you might need a hammer to tap them in.
Pry Bar
In case you spot stubborn components, the grip of a pry bar can help you out in removing them. This will save you time.
Safety Glasses
You don’t want your eyes to get affected while using a wheel bearing tool, hence it is strongly suggested to wear safety glasses to prevent anything from going inside your eyes.
Work Gloves
While using the tool, there is a high chance that the accessories of the wheel bearing may end up injuring your hands. Therefore, wear gloves to avoid any accidents.
Prepare The Vehicle
Park On A Balanced Surface
The next phase of how to use a wheel bearing tool comprises preparing the vehicle. You are required to park the car on a balanced surface so that it does not roll away while you are working.
Use The Parking Brake
Don’t forget to use the parking brake as that will stop the vehicle from moving and hindering your work.
Loosen The Lug Nuts
You will see the lug nuts on the wheel, so how to use a wheel bearing removal tool also asks you to loosen them while the vehicle is still on the surface.
Lift The Vehicle
Place Jack Stands
Once you have prepared the vehicle, now it’s time for you to lift the vehicle. You will do that by placing the jack stands under the frame of the automobile. Also, make sure that the jack is sturdy enough to hold your car.
Raise The Vehicle
Raise the vehicle with the assistance of the jack. Do it until the wheel is not touching the ground.
Remove the Wheel
Remove Lug Nuts
When you see the vehicle off the ground, you need to remove the lung nuts on the wheel and detach it.
Access the Wheel Bearing
Remove Brake Calliper
After removing the lug nuts, you have to access the wheel bearing. Your wheel bearing might be somewhere near the brake caliper and rotor, and that totally depends on the make of your vehicle. Because then you will need to remove both of them to access the bearing. It's better to get help from your vehicle’s service manual, where you may find some instructions to access the wheel bearing.
Remove Hub Nut
Does your car have a hubnut? If yes, then you are required to remove it. The hubnut is there to secure the wheel bearing to the spindle.
Grab the Hub Puller
Attach Hub Puller
Grab the hub puller attach it to the hub, and start tightening the clamping jaws.
Remove Hub Puller
Take a hammer or a breaker bar from your wheel-bearing tool kit and apply pressure to the hub puller. The force should pull the hub from the spindle.
Remove the Bearing Race
Use Bearing Race Remover
Use the bearing race remover, insert it into the bearing housing, and start putting pressure. The old one should be removed after the race remover displays its skills.
Install the New Bearing
Clean the Housing
While you install the new bearing, look at the bearing as it must be clean from any kind of dirt and debris. If not, then make sure you leave it spotless.
Install New Race and Bearing
When you are done cleaning the housing, then install a new race and wheel bearing. Carefully do it and keep a hammer nearby, as you may need to fix the bearing into its correct position. Now, place the bearing onto the spindle and press to align it well.
Reassemble the Wheel and Brake System
Re-Install Hub Nut
When you have placed and aligned the new bearing onto the spindle, reinstall the hub nut and tighten it to the particular torque with the torque wrench.
Reattach The Brake Rotor and Calliper
Do you remember removing the brake rotor and caliper? Yes, you will re-attach that and even see whether they are properly secured or not.
Install Wheel
Since the primary steps are over, you will install the wheel back on the vehicle and tighten the lug nuts. Read their specified torque to avoid mishaps.
Bring Down The Vehicle To Test
Lower The Vehicle
Keep the jack stands at their position and carefully lower down the vehicle.
Tighten The Lug Nuts Again
When the wheels of the vehicle are on the ground, repeat the method of tightening the lug nuts to check the torque.
Test The Brakes And Noise
Go for a short test drive to see whether the brakes are working and the car is not making any kind of strange noises. If it does, then that is a red flag that there is something wrong with the wheel bearings.
Tips For Safety
Use Proper Tools
Using the proper tools is essential as it makes the work quicker and easier. If your previous wheel bearing tool kit needs to be replaced, then how about you visit Orion Motor Tech? You will find hundreds of options there. For instance, you can invest in a Blind Bearing Puller Set with Slide Hammer Counterstay Adapters Collets. It is user-friendly, amazes you with wide compatibility, is easy to store, and assists in heavy-duty tasks. You can even buy 16pcs Blind Hole Collet Bearing Race and Seal Puller Extractor. The tools are durable, portable, and easy to use in heavy-duty tasks.
Seek Professional Help
It's okay if you are not up for taking any risk. You can always seek professional help, who will know better how to use wheel bearing removal tool.
Conclusion
We hope you understand how to use a wheel bearing tool and you can easily follow the above-mentioned steps and even teach others going through a similar situation.
