The Ultimate Guide to Back Wheel Bearings: Everything You Need to Know

What are Back Wheel Bearings?

Back wheel bearings are essential components of a vehicle's suspension system, supporting the weight of the vehicle and allowing the wheels to rotate smoothly. They consist of inner and outer races that house ball bearings or roller bearings. The bearings are lubricated with grease to reduce friction and wear.

Importance of Back Wheel Bearings

Properly functioning back wheel bearings are crucial for several reasons:

• Safety: Worn bearings can cause the wheel to wobble or lock up, leading to accidents.
• Performance: Smooth-rolling bearings improve fuel efficiency and handling.
• Longevity: Replacing back wheel bearings can extend the lifespan of other suspension components.

Signs of Bad Back Wheel Bearings

Identifying the signs of bad back wheel bearings is essential for timely maintenance. Common symptoms include:

• Grinding or humming noises: While driving, especially when turning or accelerating.
• Wheel play: Excessive movement when the vehicle is jacked up and the wheel is wiggled.
• ABS light activation: Worn bearings can trigger the ABS (anti-lock braking system) light due to faulty speed sensor readings.
• Vibration in the steering wheel or seat: As bearings deteriorate, vibrations can be felt throughout the vehicle.

How to Replace Back Wheel Bearings

Replacing back wheel bearings is a job that requires mechanical expertise. However, with proper tools and safety precautions, it can be done at home.

Tools and Materials

• Replacement back wheel bearings
• Bearing puller
• Bearing packer
• Grease gun
• Safety glasses
• Gloves
• Jack stands
• Lug wrench

Steps

1. Safety First: Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
2. Identify: Locate the back wheel bearing that needs replacement.
3. Remove Wheel: Loosen the lug nuts, jack up the vehicle, and remove the wheel.
4. Remove Caliper: Unbolt the brake caliper and hang it from the suspension with a wire or bungee cord. Do not allow the caliper to hang by the brake hose.
5. Remove Rotor: Slide the brake rotor off the wheel hub.
6. Pull Old Bearing: Use a bearing puller to remove the old inner and outer bearings.
7. Clean Hub: Thoroughly clean the wheel hub and surrounding area to remove any grease or debris.
8. Install New Bearings: Apply a thin layer of grease to the new bearings and inner surfaces of the hub.
9. Pack Bearings: Use a bearing packer to fill the bearings with grease.
10. Install Rotor: Slide the brake rotor back onto the wheel hub.
11. Install Caliper: Reattach the brake caliper to the wheel hub.
12. Install Wheel: Place the wheel back onto the hub and tighten the lug nuts snugly.
13. Torque Lug Nuts: Using a torque wrench, tighten the lug nuts to the specified torque value.
14. Lower Vehicle: Carefully lower the vehicle from the jack stands.

Tips and Tricks

• Always replace bearings in pairs, even if only one is damaged.
• Use a high-quality replacement bearing kit that includes both inner and outer bearings.
• Apply a generous amount of grease to the bearings and hub surfaces.
• Double-check the torque value on the lug nuts to ensure proper tightness.
• If you are not confident performing the replacement yourself, consult a qualified mechanic.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Ignoring Symptoms: Neglecting the signs of bad wheel bearings can lead to severe damage and safety hazards.
• Using Incorrect Torque: Overtightening or undertightening lug nuts can compromise the safety and performance of the vehicle.
• Installing Dirty Bearings: Failure to clean the wheel hub and bearings before installation can introduce contaminants into the system.
• Mixing Bearing Types: Do not attempt to mix ball bearings with roller bearings or vice versa.
• Overfilling Bearings: Applying too much grease to the bearings can reduce their lifespan and increase friction.

Humorous Stories and Lessons Learned

1. The Night the Car Howled: A driver cruising down the highway at night was startled by a loud howling noise coming from under the car. Panicked, they pulled over and frantically inspected the vehicle. Only after calling roadside assistance did they realize the howl was caused by worn wheel bearings. Lesson: Even minor noises should be addressed promptly to avoid potential breakdowns.

2. The Wobbly Wheel Disaster: A mechanic was tasked with replacing back wheel bearings on an old pickup truck. After completing the repair, the mechanic took the truck for a test drive, only to have the rear wheel wobble violently. Upon inspection, they discovered they had installed the bearings upside down. Lesson: Always double-check your work before putting the vehicle back into service.

   

3. The Grease Monkey Gone Wild: An amateur mechanic was replacing wheel bearings and decided to apply an excessive amount of grease for good measure. Unfortunately, the overfilled bearings caused excessive friction, resulting in the wheel overheating and smoking. Lesson: Follow manufacturer's recommendations for grease application to avoid unnecessary damage.

Effective Strategies for Maintaining Back Wheel Bearings

• Regular Inspections: Have your mechanic inspect the back wheel bearings every 25,000-50,000 miles.
• Proper Lubrication: Apply a thin layer of grease to the bearings and hub surfaces during routine maintenance.
• Careful Driving: Avoid hitting potholes and curbs, as these impacts can damage bearings.
• Proper Installation: Ensure bearings are replaced correctly and to the specified torque values.
• Consider Advanced Bearings: Some vehicles offer advanced bearing designs, such as sealed or ceramic bearings, which can extend the lifespan of the bearings.

Useful Tables

Table 1: Symptoms of Bad Back Wheel Bearings

Table 2: Replacement Cost of Back Wheel Bearings

Table 3: Recommended Bearing Replacement Intervals

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I replace back wheel bearings myself?
A: With proper tools and mechanical expertise, you can replace back wheel bearings yourself. However, if you are not confident, consult a qualified mechanic.

Q: How often should back wheel bearings be replaced?
A: The recommended replacement intervals vary depending on vehicle type and usage. Passenger cars typically require replacement every 50,000-75,000 miles, while SUVs and trucks may need it every 30,000-50,000 miles.

Q: What happens if I ignore bad back wheel bearings?
A: Neglecting bad back wheel bearings can have severe consequences, including wheel lockups, accidents, and premature damage to other suspension components.

Q: How can I extend the lifespan of wheel bearings?
A: Regular inspections, proper lubrication, careful driving, and using advanced bearing designs can help extend the lifespan of back wheel bearings.

Q: What does it cost to replace back wheel bearings?
A: The cost of replacing back wheel bearings varies depending on the vehicle and the mechanic's rates. Generally, the estimated cost ranges from $250-$750 for parts and labor.

Q: Is it safe to drive with bad back wheel bearings?
A: Driving with bad back wheel bearings is not recommended, as it can lead to safety hazards such as wheel lockups or accidents.

Call to Action

Ignoring back wheel bearings health can have serious consequences. If you suspect your vehicle has bad back wheel bearings, schedule an inspection with a qualified mechanic immediately. Regular maintenance, proper lubrication, and cautious driving habits can significantly extend the lifespan of these critical components, ensuring the safety and performance of your vehicle for years to come.