Changing your own wheel bearings is considered an intermediate job that can be done at home, but will need some speciality mechanic tools. Be sure to obtain your vehicle’s service manual and identify the type of wheel bearing your vehicle is equipped with before you begin the repair.
Is it hard to change wheel bearings?
Is it easy to replace a wheel bearing at home? Replacing a wheel bearing that comes as an assembly with the hub and bolts to the spindle or steering knuckle is not very difficult if you have proper skills, tools and the manual. Of course, the large axle nut is very tight and can be difficult to remove.
How many ball bearings are on a bike hub?
Hub Assembly Make sure balls are seated flat in cup. For rear hubs, the common number is 9 balls of 1/4-inch diameter per side. For front hubs, the common number is 10 balls of 3/16-inch diameter per side.
What are BMX wheel bearings?
The bearings inside a rear BMX wheel enable the hub (the center of the wheel) to spin smoothly over the axle. Bearings are small metal or ceramic balls that are packed in grease inside the hub.
How do I change the wheel bearings on my bike?
Take the wheel off the bike. Release the brakes and unclamp the quick release or use the 17 mm wrench to unscrew the clamping nuts. Remove the freewheel or cassette, if required. It is generally possible to change wheel bearings in the rear hub without removing the freewheel, but it may be more difficult.
How do you fix a loose ball bearing on a wheel?
Hold the wheel upright when you remove the axle. Several ball bearings may fall out. Remove the ball bearings from both sides of the hub, place them on a rag and count how many came from each side. Wipe them with a rag and examine closely for pits or scratches. Discard any damaged ball bearings.
How to replace a rear axle drift bearing?
1 Grease the hub so the bearings insert easier. Apply a thin layer of bicycle grease to the inner and outer parts of the hub. 2 Place an axle drift into a vise. Take the drift and angle it straight up. 3 Slide a new bearing onto either side of the axle. 4 Insert the axle into the drift. 5 Lift the wheel onto the axle.
