Questions and Answers

Front Wheel Bearings

Q. Hello, while driving I heard grinding and popping and as I attempted to pull over the right front wheel just about fell off. It's not loose lug nuts. I'm guessing it's the wheel bearings but I'm not sure. If so, could you possibly explain to me how to fix it? Any help would be much appreciated. I can't afford to take it to the shop and am in a desperate situation. Please help if you can.

Thank you.

A. I can certainly help you with instructions on how to replace the front wheel bearings. In a case as extreme as yours though, it may not be enough. The inner race of the inner bearing could very well have become welded to the spindle and can be extremely difficult, if not impossible, to remove. In some case it is necessary to replace the spindle. At the very least you will need a BFH and a good, large, chisel to attempt to remove it. Also if you are successful in removing it, the spindle may be damaged beyond use.

For instructions on how to replace the wheel bearings, see my article How to Replace Front Wheel Bearings (RWD)