To replace Nissan wheel bearings, first identify symptoms such as strange noises or uneven tire wear. Gather tools including a jack, torque wrench, and bearing press. Prepare the vehicle by parking on a level surface, setting the parking brake, and loosening lug nuts before lifting the car. After securing the vehicle on jack stands, remove the wheel, brake caliper, and rotor to access the hub. Use a bearing puller to extract old bearings, inspect the hub, and ensure cleanliness. Install the new bearing using a bearing press, apply high-temperature grease, and secure everything before a test drive. Understanding this process ensures your success in automotive maintenance.
Identify Symptoms of Worn Bearings
When your Nissan's wheel bearings wear out, you might notice some signs. Listen for strange noises like humming, grinding, or growling coming from the wheels. These sounds often get louder as you go faster or when you turn the steering wheel.
You might also feel extra vibration in the steering wheel or notice it's a bit loose. Check the tires for uneven wear, which can happen if the bearings are not doing their job right. If the car feels hard to control, it might be because of the bearings too.
Some car systems can spot bearing problems by checking for odd rotations. Make sure to tell these signs apart from other issues like unbalanced tires or suspension troubles. Unbalanced tires usually cause shaking at certain speeds.
Fixing worn bearings quickly can keep your Nissan running smoothly and avoid bigger problems later.
Gather Necessary Tools
To change the wheel bearings on your Nissan safely, gather the right tools first. Here's what you need:
- Jack and Jack Stands: Choose ones that can hold the weight of your Nissan to keep it stable.
- Lug Wrench or Tire Iron: Use this to take off the wheel nuts.
- Torque Wrench: Handy for putting the wheel nuts back on with the right tightness.
- Socket Set with Breaker Bar: Helps in loosening tough bolts.
- Bearing Press Kit: Needed for pressing out and putting in the wheel bearing. You can choose either a hydraulic or manual one based on what you prefer and can afford.
- Pry Bar: Useful for dealing with tight parts.
- Hammer: A rubber or dead-blow hammer works well for gentle tapping without damage.
Having these tools ready will make the job smoother and safer.
Prepare Your Nissan
Gather your tools, then get your Nissan ready for changing the wheel bearing. First, park your car on a flat spot. This keeps it steady. Set the parking brake tight. Put wheel chocks behind the back tires. This stops the car from rolling.
Now, loosen the lug nuts on the wheel where you need to change the bearing. Use a breaker bar or an impact wrench. Don't take them off completely yet. Doing this now makes it easier later when the car is lifted.
Use a hydraulic jack to lift your Nissan. Follow the right spots to lift from, as the manual says. This prevents damage. Once the car is up, put solid jack stands under it. This keeps it steady while you work.
Look at the wheel hub and nearby parts. Check for any damage or wear. Spotting these issues early can help fix them while changing the wheel bearing. This preparation makes the process smoother.
Remove the Wheel
Make sure the car is safely supported on jack stands. Place the stands on a solid surface near the points suggested by Nissan.
Once the car is up and stable, find the wheel that needs its bearing changed.
Take off the hubcap, if there is one, to reach the lug nuts. Use a lug wrench to slightly loosen the lug nuts while the wheel is on the ground. This stops the wheel from turning and makes it easier to remove later.
Once the lug nuts are loose, lift the car further with a hydraulic jack, then take off the lug nuts completely.
Carefully pull the wheel off the hub. Note how heavy it is and its position. If the wheel is hard to remove, hit the tire's side with a rubber mallet. This helps without harming the alloy or rim.
After you remove the wheel, put it in a safe place to avoid any damage or loss.
You've now accessed the wheel bearings, ready for the next steps.
Detach the Old Bearings
To get to the wheel bearings, first take off the brake caliper and rotor. After these parts are out of the way, you'll see the wheel hub. This is where the wheel bearings are located.
Look for the bolts that hold the hub in place and use a socket wrench to loosen them. Check the Nissan repair manual for the correct torque levels so you don't damage anything.
Once the hub is off, you can reach the wheel bearings. They might be tightly fit into the hub. If they are, use a bearing puller tool to take them out carefully.
Look over the hub to see if there's any wear or damage. Clean the hub well to get rid of any dirt or old grease. This helps keep the new bearings in good shape.
Install New Bearings
Make sure the wheel hub is clean. Any dirt or debris can cause the bearings to fail early.
Put a little bit of high-temperature grease inside the hub. This helps the bearings fit and work smoothly. Choose bearings that fit well for your vehicle, like the ones made by Nissan.
Place the new bearing in the hub. Make sure it sits straight. Use a bearing press or the right tool to push it in evenly. Don't hit the bearing with a hammer. This can make it crooked or damage it.
Once the bearing is in, put on the circlip or retaining ring if it has one. This keeps the bearing in the right spot.
Check that everything fits well before moving on. Follow the torque settings exactly. This makes sure the bearing stays in place and works right.
Add a little lubricant around the outside of the bearing to finish.
Reassemble and Test
Start by putting the hub back in place. Make sure it lines up with the spindle. Use a torque wrench to tighten the axle nut to the right tightness, usually between 100 to 150 foot-pounds for Nissan cars. This keeps the wheel straight and stops it from wearing out early.
Next, attach the brake caliper. Tighten the bolts to about 25 to 35 foot-pounds. Check that the brake rotor is in the right spot and can spin freely.
Put the wheel on the hub and tighten the lug nuts in a crisscross pattern. This spreads the pressure evenly. The usual torque for lug nuts is between 80 to 100 foot-pounds.
After putting everything back together, take the car for a drive. Try different speeds and listen for strange noises or vibrations. Check how the car handles and brakes. If something feels off, look over the assembly again to see if anything is out of place.
Maintenance Tips
Keep your Nissan's wheel bearings in good shape with regular checks and service.
Listen for unusual sounds or vibrations when driving; these might mean a bearing is wearing out and needs fixing soon.
Make sure the wheel nuts are tightened just right when putting on wheels.
Too tight can stress the bearings, and too loose can make the wheel wobbly.
Check your Nissan manual for the right tightness for your model.
Lubricate the wheel bearings with good quality grease made for them.
This cuts down friction and keeps the wheels turning smoothly, helping your car run better.
Check the seals around the bearings.
If they're damaged or worn, dirt and water can get in and cause rust or a breakdown.
Replace bad seals quickly to keep the bearings working well.
People Also Ask
What Is the Average Lifespan of Nissan Wheel Bearings?
Nissan wheel bearings usually last between 85,000 and 100,000 miles. How long they last can be affected by how you drive and take care of your car. It's important to check them regularly to keep your car working well and avoid problems.
Can I Drive My Nissan With Worn Wheel Bearings?
No, it's not safe to drive your Nissan with worn wheel bearings. They can make your car noisy and hard to control. If they're really bad, the wheel might even come off. It's important to fix them soon to stay safe.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace Nissan Wheel Bearings?
Replacing Nissan wheel bearings usually costs between $150 and $400 for each wheel. This price includes both the parts and the work to put them in. The cost can change depending on the car model, where you live, and the type of parts used.
Are There Any Specific Nissan Models With Common Bearing Issues?
Yes, some Nissan cars, like older Altima and Maxima models, often have problems with their wheel bearings. It's important to check and fix them regularly to keep the car running well and avoid bigger issues later.
Can I Replace Nissan Wheel Bearings Myself Without Professional Help?
Yes, you can change Nissan wheel bearings by yourself if you have the right tools and know-how. It's important to be careful and follow safety rules. If you're not sure how to do it, it's best to ask a professional for help.