The Ultimate Guide to AutoZone Wheel Bearings: Everything You Need to Know

Wheel bearings are an essential part of your car's suspension system. They allow your wheels to rotate smoothly and freely, which is critical for safe and efficient driving. When wheel bearings fail, it can lead to a variety of problems, including:

• Noise: Worn wheel bearings can cause a variety of noises, including grinding, squealing, and humming.
• Vibration: Worn wheel bearings can also cause vibration in your steering wheel, seat, or floorboard.
• Poor handling: Worn wheel bearings can make your car pull to one side or the other, or make it difficult to turn.
• Increased fuel consumption: Worn wheel bearings can increase fuel consumption by making your car work harder to roll.
• Premature tire wear: Worn wheel bearings can cause your tires to wear unevenly, which can shorten their lifespan.

If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important to have your wheel bearings checked by a qualified mechanic. Wheel bearings are relatively inexpensive to replace, and doing so can save you from more costly repairs down the road.

How to Replace Wheel Bearings

Replacing wheel bearings is a job that can be tackled by most DIYers with basic mechanical skills. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Safety first: Park your car on a level surface and engage the parking brake. Chock the wheels on the opposite side of the car from the wheel bearing you're replacing.
2. Remove the wheel: Use a lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts on the wheel that's attached to the wheel bearing you're replacing. Once the lug nuts are loose, remove the wheel.
3. Remove the brake caliper: Use a wrench to remove the bolts that hold the brake caliper in place. Once the bolts are removed, carefully lift the brake caliper off of the rotor.
4. Remove the rotor: Use a hammer to tap the rotor loose from the wheel bearing. Once the rotor is loose, remove it from the wheel bearing.
5. Remove the wheel bearing: Use a socket wrench to remove the bolts that hold the wheel bearing in place. Once the bolts are removed, carefully remove the wheel bearing from the hub.
6. Install the new wheel bearing: Carefully insert the new wheel bearing into the hub. Once the wheel bearing is in place, tighten the bolts that hold it in place.
7. Reinstall the rotor: Place the rotor on the wheel bearing. Once the rotor is in place, tighten the bolts that hold it in place.
8. Reinstall the brake caliper: Carefully place the brake caliper on the rotor. Once the brake caliper is in place, tighten the bolts that hold it in place.
9. Reinstall the wheel: Place the wheel on the hub. Once the wheel is in place, tighten the lug nuts.
10. Lower the car: Use a jack to lower the car back to the ground. Once the car is on the ground, remove the chocks from the wheels.

How to Choose the Right Wheel Bearing

When choosing a new wheel bearing, it's important to select the right one for your car. There are a few things to consider when making your selection:

• The make and model of your car: Different cars use different types of wheel bearings. It's important to select a wheel bearing that is specifically designed for your car.
• The size of your wheel bearing: Wheel bearings come in a variety of sizes. It's important to select a wheel bearing that is the correct size for your car's hub.
• The type of wheel bearing: There are two main types of wheel bearings: tapered roller bearings and ball bearings. Tapered roller bearings are more common, but ball bearings are sometimes used in high-performance applications.

If you're unsure which type of wheel bearing to choose, it's best to consult with a qualified mechanic.

AutoZone Wheel Bearings

AutoZone is a leading retailer of auto parts and accessories. AutoZone offers a wide selection of wheel bearings for all makes and models of cars. AutoZone wheel bearings are made from high-quality materials and are designed to meet or exceed the performance of OEM wheel bearings.

AutoZone wheel bearings are available in a variety of sizes and types. AutoZone also offers a variety of wheel bearing kits that include everything you need to replace your wheel bearings.

Conclusion

Wheel bearings are an important part of your car's suspension system. Worn wheel bearings can lead to a variety of problems, including noise, vibration, poor handling, increased fuel consumption, and premature tire wear. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important to have your wheel bearings checked by a qualified mechanic. Replacing wheel bearings is a relatively inexpensive job that can save you from more costly repairs down the road.

FAQs

Q: How often should I replace my wheel bearings?

A: Wheel bearings typically last for 50,000 to 100,000 miles. However, if you drive in harsh conditions, you may need to replace your wheel bearings more often.

Q: How much does it cost to replace wheel bearings?

A: The cost of replacing wheel bearings varies depending on the make and model of your car, the type of wheel bearings you choose, and the labor costs in your area. However, you can expect to pay between $100 and $500 for a professional wheel bearing replacement.

Q: Can I replace wheel bearings myself?

A: Replacing wheel bearings is a job that can be tackled by most DIYers with basic mechanical skills. However, if you're not comfortable doing this job yourself, you can have it done by a qualified mechanic.

Q: Where can I buy AutoZone wheel bearings?

A: AutoZone wheel bearings are available at all AutoZone stores and online at AutoZone.com.