Front Wheel Bearing

REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

1. Remove the front hub/rotor assembly from the steering knuckle as previously described.
2. Remove the outer bearing from the hub. Remove the splash shield.
3. Remove the nuts and bolts that attach the hub to the rotor and separate them. Clean out all of the old grease from the inside of the hub.
4. The race for the outer bearing may be removed with a brass rod and mallet. Drive the race out from the inside but do not mar the inner surface of the hub.

   WARNING
   Do not remove the bearing races if the same bearing is to be reused after cleaning or repacking. If a bearing is replaced, the race MUST be replaced. Don't use a new bearing on an old race.

5. Use a seal puller on the back of the hub to remove the inner bearing seal.
6. Once the outer bearing race is removed, flip the hub assembly over and tap the inner race out using the same procedure as with the outer race.

   To install:

7. Use bearing drivers of the proper size and drive the new races into the hub. Don't try to install the race with the brass rod; chances are high that the race will be crooked or damaged.

   Fig. 1: Front hub and brake rotor disassembly and assembly components — 2WD and 4WD vehicles

   Fig. 2: Using a brass punch, tap out the outer bearing race first, then tap out the inner bearing race

   Fig. 3: Use the tool MB990938–01 or another suitably-sized bearing race installing tool to tap the races in place in the hub

   Fig. 4: Use the same tool to set the inner oil seal into the hub until it is flush with the hub edge

   Fig. 5: When installing the cotter pin to the knuckle spindle nut, if the slot on the castle nut and the hole in the spindle do not match up, back the nut up a maximum of 30°until a slot does line up

8. Assemble the rotor and front hub. Tighten the nuts to 40 ft. lbs. (54 Nm).
9. Apply wheel bearing grease to the inside of the front hub.
10. Pack the inner bearing and install to the hub.
11. Install a new oil seal into the hub so it is flush with the hub end face.
12. Install the assembly onto the steering knuckle.
13. Pack and install the outer bearing.
14. Continue with reinstallation of the hub as outlined previously.