Author Topic: Has anyone changed a front wheel hub/bearing or is there any online tech for such? (Read 2898 times)

Cobra Jet · « **on:** October 27, 2008, 11:41:21 AM »

I need to replace my passenger side front hub bearing because it is bad (making noise while driving). My best friend and I put the car on his lift, pulled the front wheel and brakes off and the hub bearing is definitely shot, as it makes noise when you spin the hub.

We went online looking for some online tech as to how to do this job (just replacing the hub assembly) but did not find any specific links or "how to's" for removig the bearing assembly from the strut assembly.

Based on what we did come across, it seems there is a special tool to remove the hub assembly - and that tool costs in excess of $250.00!

A new hub assembly costs $150, unless there is a better price for this elsewhere?

Has anyone replaced a front wheel hub bearing assembly before and if so, how is it done "at home"? We have access to many good tools to do the job, but I surely don't want to shell out $250.00 into a special tool that would only be used most likely once (until needed again)...

I'm also curious too - what does such a job repair cost at a BMW Dealer?

Any help is appreciated!

twright · « **Reply #1 on:** October 27, 2008, 04:00:03 PM »

I just did both of my front hubs. You don't need a special tool, only a wheel puller and a socket that will fit the big nut.

1.) Take the caliper off
2.) Take the big nut off the center of the hub
3.) Take the bolt out that holds on the brake disk
4.) Take the disk off
5.) With the wheel puller, remove the hub.

It's pretty straightforward, unless you can't get the nut or the disk bolt off. If that happens, you get to practice using your swear words.

dark_islight · « **Reply #2 on:** October 28, 2008, 07:06:47 AM »

I'm guessing but the price you quoted is the Hub and bearing assembly.

http://www.bimmerspecialist.com/usa/parts/index/bmw?shop=usa

RED IS 91 · « **Reply #3 on:** October 28, 2008, 07:16:45 AM »

Look in the "How To" Section......... Lots of good stuff there........
I used the following and it worked fine.
http://zoso.no-ip.org/318i-frontwheelbearing.html

Although mine didn't come with the nylon bushing,Maybe it was upgraded. I got my parts from bavauto.

Cobra Jet · « **Reply #4 on:** October 28, 2008, 07:41:11 AM »

Thanks for the help & info fellas!

I had tried clicking on that zoso link previously, but for whatever reason, it did not work at the time I was searching online (prior to my post) - but after clicking on it from another computer, it works.

Looks fairly easy to do.

Where would I get a "wheel puller" if I need to use that tool, are you referring to the same type of puller used to pull off power steering pulleys, harmonic balancers or steering wheels? I have a tool to remove harmonic balancers and I think I have a steering wheel puller too...?

RED IS 91 · « **Reply #5 on:** October 28, 2008, 04:44:51 PM »

Usually at the parts store they have loaner or rental tools depending on your location. Call around the parts stores in your area and see if they have a "loaner tool program"? You'll need a 3 jaw puller to get the old bearing off.
I know I had to get a "loaner" tourque wrench because mine only went to 150#.
Good luck

xwill112x · « **Reply #6 on:** October 28, 2008, 05:04:03 PM »

ive never done it on an e30, but i have done it on a 71 nova, and a gti rabbit...
fairly simple to do...just be sure not to let mommy hear you and what your saying while doing the job..

KenC · « **Reply #7 on:** October 28, 2008, 07:38:02 PM »

A gear puller is what you need, but only if the inner bearing race gets stuck on. I was lucky enough to have both just slide right off.