What is the best way to pack a wheel bearing?

Packing wheel bearings is an important part of automotive maintenance to ensure proper performance and longevity of the bearings. With the right tools and procedure, packing bearings can be done efficiently at home. In this article, we will go over the complete process for safely and properly packing wheel bearings.

What is a Wheel Bearing?

The wheel bearings are located inside the wheel hubs and allow the wheels to spin freely while supporting the weight of the vehicle. There are two main types of wheel bearings:

Ball Bearings

Ball bearings use small metal balls between an inner and outer race to reduce friction as the bearing spins. Ball bearings are very common in wheel applications.

Tapered Roller Bearings

Tapered roller bearings use cone-shaped rollers between the inner and outer race. The taper allows them to handle the combination of radial and thrust loads seen by wheel bearings.

Over time, grease in the bearings breaks down from dirt, moisture, and heat. This causes increased friction and wear. Periodically repacking the wheel bearings with fresh grease helps extend their lifespan.

When to Repack Wheel Bearings

Wheel bearings should be inspected occasionally to check if repacking is needed. Here are some signs it’s time to repack the bearings:

• Excessive play when rocking the wheel
• Grinding, popping, or humming noises when spinning the wheel
• Leaking grease around the bearing seal
• Failed wheel bearing inspection
• Routine maintenance as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer, usually every 30,000 – 100,000 miles

Catching deteriorated bearings early helps avoid extensive damage to the hub or spindle. It’s recommended to repack the bearings at minimum every time the brakes are changed.

Mileage	Inspection Interval
0 – 50,000 miles	Every brake service
50,000 – 100,000 miles	Every 30,000 miles or 1 year
Over 100,000 miles	Every 20,000 miles or 1 year

Wheel Bearing Repacking Supplies

Repacking wheel bearings requires some specialized tools and supplies:

• Wheel bearing grease – Use high temperature rated grease with lithium or molybdenum disulfide. Common brands are Valvoline, Lucas, and Mobil 1.
• Bearing packer – This is a plier-like tool used to force grease thoroughly into the bearings. Makes the job much cleaner and easier.
• Rags/paper towels – For cleaning off old contaminated grease and dirt.
• Brake cleaner – Helps dissolve and remove hardened grease.
• Grease brush – Useful for applying grease to the bearing seals and housing surface.
• Wheel bearing seals – Seals should be replaced whenever the bearings are repacked.
• Wheel bearing lock nut – May require replacement after removal.
• Torque wrench – Critical to tighten the axle nut to the proper torque spec.
• Hub puller – Sometimes needed to remove stubborn hubs from the spindle.
• Wheel chocks – Chock the opposite wheel when working on a bearing.

The bearing packer tool can be purchased or rented from most auto parts stores. Having the right equipment makes repacking bearings much less tedious.

How to Repack Wheel Bearings

Now let’s go through the full step-by-step process to safely repack your wheel bearings:

1. Jack Up and Support the Vehicle

Use a hydraulic floor jack to lift the vehicle at the proper jack point nearest the wheel you’ll be servicing. Place jack stands securely under the frame rails once lifted. Chock the diagonally opposite wheel to keep the vehicle from rolling.

2. Remove the Tire and Brake Components

Take off the wheel lug nuts and remove the tire/wheel assembly. Then detach the brake caliper and secure it overhead with wire to avoid stressing the brake hose. Remove the brake rotor and set it aside.

3. Remove the Axle Nut

On the back of the hub, you will see a large axle retaining nut. Remove this nut using an impact wrench or breaker bar. Spraying it with penetrating oil first can help break it free.

4. Pull Off the Hub

With the axle nut removed, the hub should slide off the spindle. If it’s stuck, use a hub puller to pop it loose. Avoid hammering on the hub as this can damage the bearing races.

5. Clean Off Old Grease

Use rags and brake cleaner to wipe away all the old contaminated grease from the hub and bearings. Look closely for any flaking, rust, pitting, or cracks as these indicate worn out bearings that require replacement.

6. Pack New Bearings with Grease

Arrange the bearings inside the bearing packer one at a time. Force fresh grease into the packer to thoroughly coat the bearing rollers. Keep adding more grease until you see it oozing out the sides of the roller cage.

7. Install Inner Bearing

The inner bearing gets packed and installed first. Place it into the hub and use your finger to coat the bearing surfaces with more grease. Push the grease seal into place.

8. Install Outer Bearing

Pack the outer bearing next and install it into the hub. Install the washer and axle nut to hold the outer bearing in place.

9. Reinstall Hub

Slide the hub with packed bearings back onto the axle spindle. Hand tighten the axle nut until snug to seat the bearings. Spin the hub to ensure it rotates freely without binding.

10. Torque the Axle Nut

Tighten the axle nut to the specified torque using a torque wrench. Refer to the vehicle service manual for the proper torque spec, as excessive tightening can damage the bearings.

11. Reinstall Brakes and Wheel

Reinstall the brake rotor, caliper, brake pads, and wheel. Snug the wheel lug nuts in a star pattern and then lower the vehicle. Finish tightening the lugs to spec with a torque wrench.

12. Check for Play

Have an assistant rotate the wheel while you check for any looseness in the bearing by rocking the tire top to bottom. There should be zero discernible play. If any movement is felt, back off the axle nut and make adjustments before final torquing.

Conclusion

By following these steps and using the proper tools, you can efficiently repack your wheel bearings safely at home. Taking the time to regularly inspect and repack the bearings as needed will add miles to the lifespan of your vehicle’s hubs and avoid expensive repair bills down the road. Always refer to the service manual specifications for your vehicle’s torque values. And be sure to replace worn seals, washers, and retaining nuts when servicing the bearings. With the right procedure, you can keep those wheel ends turning smoothly for the long haul.