Wheel Bearing - 4WD: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Mazda Tribute, 2003 Mazda Tribute, and 2002 Mazda Tribute. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Remove the brake shoes. Refer to REAR BRAKE DRUM SHOES .

CAUTION: Apply anti-seize compound to the halfshaft before removing the nut to avoid damaging the halfshaft

Fig 1: Identifying Rear Halfshaft Nut

Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

Remove the rear halfshaft nut and discard.
Using the special tool, loosen the halfshaft from the wheel hub.

Fig 2: Removing Halfshaft From Wheel Hub
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Using the special tools, remove the wheel hub.

Fig 3: Removing Wheel Hub
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

NOTE: This step may not be necessary if the inner wheel bearing race remains in the wheel knuckle, after removing the wheel hub.

Fig 4: Removing Inner Wheel Bearing Race

Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

Using the special tool, press the inner wheel bearing race from the wheel hub.

Vehicles With ABS

Position the anti-lock brake (ABS) sensor aside.
1. Position the ABS sensor aside.
2. Remove the ABS sensor bolt and bracket bolts.
  
  Fig 5: Identifying ABS Sensor & Bracket Bolts
  Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Disconnect the parking brake cable.
- Remove the parking brake cable bolt from the wheel knuckle.
  
  Fig 6: Identifying Parking Brake Cable Bolt
  Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Disconnect the brake line from the wheel cylinder.
- Remove the brake line bracket bolt.
  
  Fig 7: Identifying Brake Line Nut & Bracket Bolt
  Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Support the wheel knuckle.
Remove the lower shock absorber bolt.

Fig 8: Identifying Lower Shock Absorber Bolt
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

NOTE: It may be necessary to hold the ball joint stud to keep it from turning while removing the nut.

Disconnect the lower ball joint.
- Remove the nut.
  
  Fig 9: Identifying Lower Ball Joint Nut
  Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

NOTE: It may be necessary to hold the ball joint stud to keep it from turning while removing the nut.

Disconnect the upper ball joint.
- Remove the nut.
  
  Fig 10: Identifying Upper Ball Joint Nut
  Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

NOTE: Note the position of the spring insulator and spring for installation.

Fig 11: Identifying Rear Coil Spring

Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

Remove the spring.
- Lower the support to the wheel knuckle.
Remove the wheel knuckle cam bolt.
- Mark the position of the adjustment cam notch.
- Remove the wheel knuckle cam bolt.
  
  Fig 12: Identifying Wheel Knuckle Cam Bolt & Nut
  Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Remove the wheel knuckle.
- Remove the wheel knuckle cam.
  
  Fig 13: Identifying Wheel Knuckle Cam & Wheel Knuckle
  Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
- Remove the wheel knuckle.
Remove the snap ring.

Fig 14: Identifying Snap Ring
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Using the special tools, press the outer wheel bearing race from the wheel knuckle.

Fig 15: Removing Outer Bearing Race From Wheel Knuckle
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.