Front wheel bearing renewal

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  1. #1
    My drivers side wheel bearing started to howl the other day so I knew that it was time to renew it. Rather than just replace one bearing I did the pair as no doubt if one has gone then the other will quickly follow. I thought that I would make a step by step guide just in case anyone else is thinking about doing this job themselves. The job itself can easily be done within an hour per side.

    * Tools required
    13,16,17,32mm sockets, socket extensions, punch, heavy hammer, 7mm Alan key/ socket, T30 Torx socket. WD40 Torque wrench, Axle stands

    1- Prior to jacking your car up, remove the centre cap from the wheel. Using a punch or suitable screwdriver knock the locking tab back in to shape so that the hub nut can be undone. Using a 32mm socket crack off the hub nut.



    2- Jack the front of the car up and support it on axel stands and remove the wheel
    3- Remove the torx collar screw from the brake disk.
    4- Undo the 2 calliper carrier bolts (16mm), remove the calliper and hook it up on the coil spring with a bungee cord or tie it up with string so that your working area is clear.



    5- Spray the end of the hub bolts with WD40 where they stick out of the hub and let them soak for a few minutes if you wish



    6- Remove the wheel sensor. * If it’s stuck then you can leave it in but you’ll need to be careful when freeing the wheel bearing assembly from the hub!



    7- Working from the back of the hub, undo the 4 bolts that hold on the wheel bearing assembly (13mm)



    8- Remove the hub nut on the end of the driveshaft (32mm)
    9- The wheel bearing assembly will probably be rusted to the hub so carefully shock the wheel bearing assembly with a heavy hammer until it breaks free
    10- Remove the wheel bearing assembly and then give the hole a clean up with course sand paper or a wire brush as this will aid reassembly of the new wheel bearing.



    11- Refit the new wheel bearing assembly. The holes to retain it are off set so it can only be bolted on one way! Fit new hub nut



    12- Refit wheel speed sensor if removed
    13- Refit brake disk and calliper. Torque calliper bolts to required torque (110nm)



    14- Torque hub nut up then using a punch or suitable drift knock the collar of the hub nut into its locking slot. *You may need an assistant to stand on the brake pedal when doing the hub nut up.



    I also took this opportunity to renew my calliper carrier bolts and brake disk collar screws as mine were looking a tad naff.
    Last edited by SeanC; 23rd February 2015 at 07:05 PM. Reason: Photo links broken

  2. #2
    One half of Gobi and Sahara EcosseGP's Avatar
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    Great write up for those that fancy trying it themselves :)
    You only need two tools in life WD40 and Duct Tape. If it doesn't move and should use WD40 and if it moves and shouldn't use Duct Tape.

  3. #3
    Mini Mad
    Join Date
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    Brilliant write up. Was gonna change mines soon aswell! Cheers :)

  4. #4
    Cheers guys. Apparently this job will cost in excess of £600 at MINI!

    Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk

  5. #5
    Mini Mad
    Join Date
    Jul 2014
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    cooper D & cooper S
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    Perfect timing as mine will hopefully be getting done this weekend.
    Great write up

  6. #6
    Sorry for the broken links with the photos for a while. I tidied up my photo bucket and didnt realise the links had gone. All fixed now

    Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk

  7. #7
    Handbrake Turner CiderFex's Avatar
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    That is a cracking "how to" guide, thanks for taking the time to post it up.


    ...to Infinity and beyond !!!

  8. #8
    Traffic Light Racer John Martin's Avatar
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    Great work, where did you buy your wheel bearings?
    Living the dream.

  9. #9
    Theory Test Pass
    Join Date
    Feb 2015
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    Mini Cooper 2005
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    Great How To... Many thanks, Need to do mine also rear ones are going, is there a how to on the rear bearings? also for interest where abouts did you buy your bearings from.
    Thanks again,

    R
    Tim,

  10. #10
    Banned
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    Quote Originally Posted by Trich1966 View Post
    Great How To... Many thanks, Need to do mine also rear ones are going, is there a how to on the rear bearings? also for interest where abouts did you buy your bearings from.
    Thanks again,

    R
    Tim,
    the rears are virtually the same.

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