Note: The double row roller bearing is lubricated, adjusted, sealed and does not require maintenance. Do not attempt to remove the bearing unless absolutely necessary, as it will be damaged during removal. Never overtighten the hub nut in an attempt to "improve" the bearing adjustment - it will be "as usual".
Note: Removing and installing the bearing requires a press, or at least a solid vice and suitable mandrels (big heads). The hub is pressed into the inner race of the bearing with interference. If the inner race remains on the hub when removing the bearing, you will need a puller with sharp jaws.
1. Place the vehicle on a level surface, turn off the ignition, apply the handbrake and engage first gear (or "P" mode).
2. Remove the hub center cap and loosen the hub bolt a few turns as described in paragraph 2 of chapter 8.
3. Raise the front of the vehicle and install safety stands. Remove the appropriate wheel.
4. On models with gas discharge headlights (xenon), loosen the clamp and disconnect the vehicle level sensor connecting rod from the front lower wishbone as described in chapter 12.
5. As described in chapter 9, do the following:
- a) Remove the brake caliper from the steering knuckle together with the mounting bracket and hang it on the strut.
- b) Remove the brake disc.
- c) Remove the ABS wheel sensor at the base of the steering knuckle. Release the sensor wiring from all fasteners and move it to the side.
6. Loosen the screws and remove the brake shield from the steering knuckle.
7. Loosen the mounting nuts and disconnect the front and rear lower arms from the steering knuckle base using a ball joint puller as described in paragraph 5. Be careful not to damage the ball joint boots.
8. Disconnect the steering tip from the steering knuckle - see paragraph 21.
9. Loosen the mounting nut and remove the clamp bolt on the top of the steering knuckle as described in paragraph 5. Disconnect the ball joints of the front and rear upper control arms from the top of the steering knuckle, but do not insert any screwdrivers or, better yet, chisels into the gap in the clamp to try to facilitate the removal of the bearing pins. Try not to damage the rubber boots of the bearings.
10. Grasp the steering knuckle and pull it off the drive shaft. If the splined connection between the shaft and the hub is tight, use a puller.
11. Install the steering knuckle with its base on blocks or a vice. Using a tubular mandrel, resting only on the inner edges of the hub flange, press it out of the bearing. If the inner race remains on the flange, remove it with a puller (see note above).
12. Securely support the outer surface of the steering knuckle and, using a cylindrical mandrel, resting only on the inner race, press the entire bearing out of the knuckle.
13. Thoroughly clean the hub and knuckle, removing all traces of dirt and grease. Use a file to remove any burrs that may interfere with the installation of the bearing. If there are cracks, wear or other damage, the parts must be replaced.
14. Securely support the steering knuckle with the inner surface of the base and install the bearing into the knuckle hole. The larger diameter inner race should be facing outward towards the hub flange. Press the bearing into the knuckle evenly and until it stops, using a cylindrical mandrel, resting only on the outer race.
15. Firmly rest the outer surface of the hub flange and install the inner bearing race on the hub flange. Using a cylindrical mandrel, resting only on the inner race, press the bearing into the hub until it rests against the "shoulders".
16. Check the smooth rotation of the hub flange.
17. Place the steering knuckle in the installation location and insert the drive shaft into the hub. Screw in the hub bolt, tightening it "by hand" at this stage.
18. Attach the lower wishbones as described in paragraph 5. Install new self-locking nuts and tighten them to the specified torque.
19. Attach the upper wishbones - see paragraph 5. Insert the tie rod, screw on the new self-locking nut and tighten it to the specified torque. While tightening the nut, press the levers down so that the hinge pins are properly secured.
20. Attach the steering tip - see paragraph 21. Screw on the new mounting nut and tighten it and the adjusting bolt to the specified torques.
21. Install the brake shield and tighten the mounting screws securely.
22. As described in chapter 9, do the following:
- a) Install the ABS wheel sensor into the steering knuckle and secure its wiring.
- b) Install the brake disc.
- c) Install the brake caliper.
23. On models equipped with xenon headlights, connect the connecting rod to the lower wishbone and tighten the clamp as described in chapter 12.
24. Install the wheel, tighten the mounting bolts to the specified torque and lower the vehicle.
25. Tighten the drive shaft bolt (hub bolt) at the prescribed moment - see paragraph 2 of chapter 8. Install the hub cap.
26. Finally, check the front wheel alignment angles - this requires specialized equipment, contact a workshop or dealer.