The process of replacing the hub bearing on BMW cars is quite simple and does not require any special skills in a professional capacity.
To perform the replacement, the following tools will be needed:
- Set of TORX keys;
- Ratchet wrench with sockets size 16 and 46;
- Pipe as a lever;
- Jack;
- WD-40 grease.
There are several points to pay attention to. When unscrewing the bolts on the caliper bracket, it will be necessary to apply increased force, possibly using a pipe.
Another particularity is that the dust cover may fit poorly on its seating place. Therefore, it is necessary to first thread it and then carefully press in the hub, making sure the dust cover does not come off. During the tightening of the hub nut, it will gradually press in itself.
Replacement of bearings on BMW E46
To replace the bearings on a BMW E46, the following steps are taken:
- Remove the necessary wheel;
- Use a brush to remove all dirt and rust;
- Remove the clamp on the caliper;
- Remove the hub cap;
- Unscrew the bolt securing the brake disc using a TORX key;
- Remove the caliper and clamp;
- Remove the protective cover followed by unscrewing the shaft. It will also require the use of a ratchet wrench with a size 16 socket;
- After removing the caliper, suspend it in a way that does not interfere with the work and prevents the brake hose from breaking;
- Remove the brake disc, then begin to disassemble the hub;
- Unpin the nut and remove it using a size 46 socket and a breaker bar with a pipe (if necessary);
- Remove the hub and rear dust cover in the form of a metal ring;
- The bearing sleeve may remain on the knuckle, so it must be carefully removed;
- Install a new dust cover and hub;
- Carefully thread the hub onto the knuckle and tap it with a hammer through a wooden block until the nut threads in. Then tighten with the nut;
Replacement of hub bearing on BMW E39
Every detail in a car can fail over time, and hub bearings are no exception. Conducting diagnostics and replacing bearings by yourself is accessible to any car owner.
The main signs that the bearing is in a faulty condition are as follows:
- Vibration when driving on a smooth road;
- Noise when driving, intensified when going around turns.
To be certain of the bearing's fault, lift the car on a jack from the necessary side and rotate the wheel.
Replacing the front bearing is a straightforward process, made easier by not needing to press anything. Wheel bearings come assembled with the hub.
More: Replacements of bearings on BMW hub assemblies E39, E34, E36
Replacement of front bearing
The steps for replacing the front bearing are as follows:
- Lift the car on a lift or with a jack;
- Remove the wheel;
- Clean the connection points from dust and dirt using a brush. Treat all bolted connections with WD-40 and wait for a few minutes for the product to take effect;
- Remove the caliper and clamp, suspending it so as not to hinder further work and prevent the brake hose from breaking. After moving the removed caliper aside, hang it using a piece of wire or plastic clamp;
- Unscrew the brake disc, secured by a single bolt with a hex head size 6;
- Remove the protective cover with caution to avoid breaking bolts;
- Mark the shock absorber assembly to know its position in the knuckle. It is best to do this with paint;
- Knock off the tie rod end with light hammer blows. If there is a special puller for tie rod ends, it can also be used. Pay special attention to not damaging the steering rack boot;
- Knock off the knuckle assembly;
- Unscrew the 4 bolts that secure the hub to the knuckle, then knock it out with a light blow;
- Install the new hub and secure it with the bolts provided in the repair kit.
Reassemble all other parts in reverse order. When securing the shock absorber, align the marks made during disassembly.
Repairing hub bearings on BMW cars is not particularly labor-intensive. Anyone with mechanical skills and tools can easily perform these tasks without any issues. To avoid difficulties in unscrewing bolts, it is advisable to pre-treat them with WD-40.
