Wheel Bearing Unit, Removing And Installing: Removing

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

-- Remove the drive axle bolt. Refer to DRIVE AXLE THREADED CONNECTION, LOOSENING AND TIGHTENING .

CAUTION:

Do not load the wheel bearing if the wheel-side drive axle threaded connection is loose.

If the wheel bearings are under the load of the vehicle weight, the wheel bearing will be damaged. This reduces the service life of the wheel bearings.

The drive axle bolt may be loosened maximum 90° when the vehicle is standing on its wheels.

Vehicles without a drive axle must not be moved, otherwise the wheel bearing will be damaged. If a vehicle must be moved, be sure to note the following:

Install an outer joint in place of the drive axle.
Tighten the outer joint to 120 Nm.

-- Loosen the wheel bolts.

-- Raise the vehicle.

-- Remove the wheel.

-- Remove the brake caliper and tie it to the vehicle body with wire. Refer to OVERVIEW - FRONT BRAKES .

-- Remove the brake rotor. Refer to OVERVIEW - FRONT BRAKES .

Vehicles with Level Control System Sensor

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-- Remove the nut -1-.

-- Remove the bracket -2- for the Left Front Level Control System Sensor -G78- or Right Front Level Control Sensor -G289- from the control arm -3-.

Continuation for All Vehicles

-- Remove the hex nut -1- from the coupling rod -3-.

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-- Remove the coupling rod -3- from the stabilizer bar -2-.

-- Remove the nuts -arrows-.

Fig 1: Identifying Nuts -Arrows- On Left And Right Side Of Vehicle, Removal

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-- Remove the control arm from the ball joint.

-- Remove the drive axle outer joint from the wheel hub.

-- Secure the drive axle to the body using a wire.

-- Attach the ball joint to the control arm again -arrows-.

-- Remove the screws -arrows-.

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-- Remove the wheel bearing unit -1- from the wheel bearing housing.

CAUTION:

Avoid contaminating with dirt and damaging the seal when lifting, setting down/storing.

The wheel bearing -1- must face up in order to remove the wheel bearing unit.

Fig 2: Always Set Wheel Bearing Down On Wheel Hub -2- (Wheel Bearing -1- Fac ing Up)
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Always set the wheel bearing unit down on the wheel hub -2-.
Never reach inside when lifting the wheel bearing.

Fig 3: Correct & Incorrect Holding Of Wheel Bearing
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Hold the wheel bearing only on the outside.