Hi all.
I'm trying to replace my driver's side front wheel bearing on my 05 xB.

I ran into a bit of a snag and was hoping someone could help out.

After FINALLY getting the axle nut off and the rotor off, I was unable to get the front hub assembly off. Since it got dark and it's still pretty cold out up here (upstate NY) I didn't get much of a chance to look around behind the hub assembly so I figured I'd ask on the board for some help.

Is the hub somehow attached to the control arms? It looks there are some splines on the inside of the hub where the bearings are located. Is it pressed in that way? If so, what's the removal procedure? Do I need some sort of hub-removing dealy?

Sorry for the vagueness, it's the first time I've done bearings on this car. I'm used to working on my 04 Wrangler where I can put a hammer to it and the parts come flying off!

Anyways, any help you guys could provide would be MOST appreciated.

 

I'll give you the cliff notes version......
1 - Remove lower control arm from spindle.
2 - Remove tie rod from spindle.
3 - Remove ABS sensor from spindle.
4 - Remove strut from spindle.
5 - Finally, you'll need a hydraulic press to remove bearing from spindle.

 

Do they sell a complete new hub assembly as replacement?

 

That was going to be my next question.
I called a few auto part stores yesterday and they don't have it available. I'll have to wait until Monday to call the dealer.

 

The hubs come as an assembly I believe. ??? I'm surprised you need to change one out so soon?

 

I'm as surprised as you are. I was rolling on some 17"s for 2 summers but would always throw the stock steelies on during the winter months. These past few weeks I've been hearing a noise and basically stayed out of the car until it got marginally warm to check it out.

I was actually hoping to write up a tech FAQ about replacing them but it looks like I may be in over my head as I don't have a hydraulic press. My friend at a local shop is going to do it for me on Friday. If he lets me in, I'll take photos and hopefully write something worthwhile.

 

This is good to know for others that attempt this. I have a place that presses stuff for me if the need ever arises. I just picked up the xB shop manual from ebay so it should have the procedure covered in there.
There have been others that had them go out while still under warranty tho so I guess crap happens.

 

Out of curiosity, what width & offset are the 17" wheels? (^_^ ) ?

 

My guess would be 17X7 and 40mm offset.

 

yea i just had my left front wheel bearing done 80k miles though, idk how long they normally last

 

You can find a pretty cheap aftermarket hub assembly here:

http://www.1aauto.com/1A/front-wheel...HF00358/554807

 

that is for 2008 and above and it looks like it's for the rear. For some reason there are lots of rear hub/bearing assemblies being listed as front. Typically the front ones need to be pressed out and new pressed back in unless they changed that for 2008 and later.

There is a bearing puller set available so you can do it without removing knuckle from strut. I've done two on my subaru and getting ready to do my 06 right front one. I remove knuckle and take new bearing to local shop and they charge me $45 to press out old and new back in. I make alignment marks on strut and knuckle before removing and never had alignment (camber) issue when done.

 

Hi, I haven't lurked here in a long time, but it's time for new pads & rotors AND a right front wheel bearing. Is it right to assume that the brake system must be dismantled in order to reach the bearing? I am considering a DIY brake job, but I would like to know if I should take care of the bearing(probably paying to have it done) first.

Julie