Any detail of a car gradually becomes unusable. Wheel bearings are no exception. Performing a diagnosis and replacing faulty bearings is within the reach of almost any BMW car owner.
The main signs of a failing wheel bearing are as follows:
- Vibration when driving on a smooth road;
- Audible noise, increasing while turning.
To confirm the presence of a fault in the bearing, you should lift the car with a jack and manually rotate the wheel. If a howling sound is heard, the bearing needs to be replaced.
Replacing BMW E39 Wheel Bearings
There is nothing complicated about performing a DIY bearing replacement. The task is made easier by not needing to press anything. Wheel bearings are sold as a unit with the hub.
When purchasing a new part, it is essential to check the completeness of the kit, which should include 4 bolts for attaching the hub to the knuckle, the hub with the bearing. The necessary tools must be prepared for the work.
The front wheel bearing replacement procedure is as follows:
- Lift the car on a lift or using a jack;
- Remove the wheel;
- Clean the connection points from dust and dirt using a metal brush. It is also necessary to treat the WD-40 bolts and nuts of the caliper and tie rod end. A few minutes are enough for the agent to act;
- Remove the caliper and bracket, then shift them aside and hang them on a plastic clamp or wire;
- Unscrew the brake disc secured by a single bolt using a corresponding hex key;
- Remove the protective cover with caution to prevent bolt breakage;
- Mark the shock absorber strut to remember its position in the steering knuckle;
- Unscrew the bolts securing the front strut, stabilizer, and tie rod end;
- Knock the strut out of the steering knuckle;
- Unscrew the 4 bolts securing the hub to the knuckle and knock it out with a gentle blow;
- Install the new hub and tighten the new bolts from the repair kit;
- Assemble the elements in reverse order.
To replace the rear wheel bearing, similar steps should be taken, but with some differences. Since this BMW model has rear-wheel drive, the construction will include the CV joint axle.
- Unscrew the central CV joint nut;
- Lift the car using a jack;
- Remove the wheel;
- Remove the metal bracket securing the brake pads with a screwdriver;
- Unscrew the caliper and bracket and hang them;
- Align the eccentric of the brake pads;
- Unscrew and remove the brake disc using a 6 hex key;
- After disconnecting the half-shaft from the differential flange using an E12 socket, shift the CV joint towards the differential;
- Unscrew the mounting bolts;
- Install the new hub on the knuckle;
- Assemble all parts in reverse order.
Replacing the Front Wheel Bearing on BMW E34
To perform the task, you will need a hammer, screwdrivers, a good jack, and sockets of 19 and 46 sizes.
The part of the car where the replacement will take place is lifted with a jack, followed by wheel removal. You will need a screwdriver and hammer to remove the cover. There is nothing complicated about this, just be careful not to break it during work.
Under this cover is the hub nut. It is unscrewed using a 46 socket. To make the task easier, lower the wheel from the jack to the ground.
Then lift the car again with the jack, remove the wheel, brake disc with pads, and caliper. Only then can you fully unscrew the nut.
Next, the hub can be knocked out. Sometimes the axle may need thorough cleaning as the hub may stick to it. The axle and the new hub are lubricated with oil, then carefully installed using a rubber hammer and everything is assembled in reverse order.
Replacing the Wheel Bearing on BMW E36
For this model, follow these steps:
- Remove the wheel and unscrew the hub bolts;
- Hang the hub on the strut and remove the brake disc;
- Remove the dust cover, being careful to avoid damaging the ABS sensor;
- Place the dust cover of the disc and the new bearing after cleaning from dirt;
- Assemble everything in reverse order.
The process of replacing front and rear wheel bearings on BMW cars is not difficult and can be easily done by yourself in a garage. The tools needed for this are available to every driver. Some basic technical knowledge is required to carry out such actions.
