Front Wheel Drive Bearing: A Guide to Its Benefits, How-To, and Advanced Features

Why Front Wheel Drive Bearing Matters

Front wheel drive bearings are essential components of any front-wheel-drive vehicle. They allow the wheels to rotate smoothly and freely, which is necessary for proper handling and performance. Without properly functioning bearings, the wheels would bind and cause the vehicle to pull to one side or the other.

Benefit	Description
Improved Handling	Front wheel drive bearings allow the wheels to rotate smoothly and freely, which improves handling and performance.
Reduced Wear and Tear	Front wheel drive bearings reduce wear and tear on other components, such as the tires, suspension, and steering system.
Extended Vehicle Life	Front wheel drive bearings can help extend the life of your vehicle by preventing premature wear and tear on other components.

Key Benefits of Front Wheel Drive Bearing

Improved Handling: Front wheel drive bearings allow the wheels to rotate smoothly and freely, which improves handling and performance. This can be especially noticeable when driving on uneven or slippery surfaces.

Reduced Wear and Tear: Front wheel drive bearings reduce wear and tear on other components, such as the tires, suspension, and steering system. This can save you money in the long run by preventing costly repairs.

Extended Vehicle Life: Front wheel drive bearings can help extend the life of your vehicle by preventing premature wear and tear on other components. This can save you even more money in the long run by keeping your vehicle running for longer.

How to Replace Front Wheel Drive Bearing

Replacing front wheel drive bearings is a relatively simple task that can be completed in a few hours with the right tools and materials.

Benefits of Replacing Front Wheel Drive Bearing

Improved Handling: Replacing front wheel drive bearings can improve handling and performance by reducing friction and allowing the wheels to rotate more freely.

Reduced Noise: Worn front wheel drive bearings can make a grinding or whining noise. Replacing the bearings can eliminate this noise and make your vehicle more pleasant to drive.

Extended Bearing Life: Replacing front wheel drive bearings regularly can help extend their life and prevent premature failure.

How to Replace Front Wheel Drive Bearing

Replacing front wheel drive bearings is a relatively simple task that can be completed in a few hours with the right tools and materials.

Safety First: Always park your vehicle in a safe place and engage the parking brake before starting any work.

Gather Your Tools and Materials: You will need a set of wrenches, a socket set, a jack, and jack stands. You will also need a new set of front wheel drive bearings.

Remove the Wheel: Use a jack to raise the vehicle and remove the wheel.

Remove the Caliper: The caliper is the part of the brake system that clamps down on the rotor to stop the wheel. Remove the bolts that hold the caliper in place and remove the caliper.

Remove the Rotor: The rotor is the metal disc that the brake pads rub against to stop the wheel. Remove the bolts that hold the rotor in place and remove the rotor.

Remove the Bearing: The bearing is located in the center of the wheel hub. Use a wrench to remove the nut that holds the bearing in place. Then, use a drift to tap the bearing out of the hub.

Install the New Bearing: Place the new bearing in the hub and tap it into place with a drift. Then, tighten the nut that holds the bearing in place.

Reassemble the Wheel: Reinstall the rotor, caliper, and wheel. Lower the vehicle and tighten the wheel lug nuts.

Advanced Features

Some front wheel drive bearings come with advanced features, such as:

Sealed bearings: Sealed bearings are designed to keep out dirt and water, which can extend their life.

Pre-lubricated bearings: Pre-lubricated bearings come with grease already applied, which makes installation easier.

Quiet bearings: Quiet bearings are designed to reduce noise, which can make your vehicle more pleasant to drive.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

There are a few common mistakes to avoid when replacing front wheel drive bearings. These include:

Overtightening the bearing nut: Overtightening the bearing nut can damage the bearing and cause it to fail prematurely.

Not using a drift to install the bearing: Using a drift to install the bearing will help to prevent damage to the bearing.

Not replacing the bearing seal: The bearing seal is designed to keep out dirt and water. If the seal is damaged, it can allow dirt and water to enter the bearing and cause it to fail prematurely.

FAQs About Front Wheel Drive Bearing

How often should I replace my front wheel drive bearings? The frequency with which you should replace your front wheel drive bearings will depend on your driving habits and the conditions in which you drive. However, most experts recommend replacing them every 50,000 to 100,000 miles.

What are the symptoms of a bad front wheel drive bearing? The symptoms of a bad front wheel drive bearing can include: grinding or whining noise, vibration, and difficulty turning.

How much does it cost to replace front wheel drive bearings? The cost to replace front wheel drive bearings will vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle. However, you can expect to pay between $200 and $500 for the parts and labor.

FAQ	Answer
How often should I replace my front wheel drive bearings?	The frequency with which you should replace your front wheel drive bearings will depend on your driving habits and the conditions in which you drive. However, most experts recommend replacing them every 50,000 to 100,000 miles.
What are the symptoms of a bad front wheel drive bearing?	The symptoms of a bad front wheel drive bearing can include: grinding or whining noise, vibration, and difficulty turning.
How much does it cost to replace front wheel drive bearings?	The cost to replace front wheel drive bearings will vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle. However, you can expect to pay between $200 and $500 for the parts and labor.

Front Wheel Drive Bearing: A Guide to Its Benefits, How-To, and Advanced Features