Tips for Changing Out Your Front Wheel Hub Assembly
Changing out a front wheel hub assembly is not as hard as you think as long as you have the right tools and know how to torque it down correctly. First things first. Parts matter. Make sure that you are using parts that come from a reliable source. There is nothing more frustrating to take everything apart only to realize that the new assembly is the wrong one. Using a reliable source for the hub assembly will cut down on the stress.
Here are some tips when you are changing out your front wheel hub assembly to ensure a smooth install.
Tip #1
No shortcuts on safety. Be sure you use wheel chocks for the rear tires to keep everything nice and steady. Be sure that you are parked on a flat surface AND engage the emergency brake. Yes, it seems like a simple set of instructions, but they are important enough that they have to be stated again.
Tip #2
Use a bungee cord to hold the brake caliper up and away. Don’t let it just dangle or you may damage the brake line. Just use the bungee cord to attach the caliper up to the under carriage. Take care with the brake line.
Tip #3
Keep a rubber mallet handy to use on the rotor if it does not want to break free. Just tap the mallet on the bottom of the rotor to pull it off.
Tip #4
It is important to have the right tools on hand. The front wheel hub assembly bolts can be a little tricky to remove because they are seated up near the undercarriage. A thin socket wrench or breaker bar can help you to get easier access to the bolts.
Tip # 5
Keep a container handy to keep all the small parts from the dust cover and brake caliper in. Small parts like cotter pins can easily get lost in the mix and can really impact the project negatively. There is nothing worse than having to sift through a bunch of stuff to find a misplaced bolt, cotter pin or screw. Put everything in a small container and it will be easy to keep track of.
Replacing a front wheel hub assembly sounds like a bigger job than it is. Make sure you have the right parts and the right tools and you will be fine.