How do you replace the rear wheel bearing on your 2002 firebird?

1. What tools are needed to replace a rear wheel bearing?
2. Can you replace a wheel bearing without replacing the hub?
3. Can I replace a wheel bearing myself?
4. How hard is it to change a rear wheel bearing?
5. How long does it take to replace a rear wheel bearing?
6. How do I know if my rear wheel bearings need replacing?
7. Should I replace both rear wheel bearings at the same time?
8. Is it best to replace both wheel bearings?
9. Can your tire fall off if you have a bad wheel bearing?

What tools are needed to replace a rear wheel bearing?

What tools do I need to replace a wheel bearing? Needle-nose pliers, a ratchet wrench with various sized sockets, flat-head screwdriver, jack and a star wrench for loosening nuts on the wheel.

Can you replace a wheel bearing without replacing the hub?

On some cars, you can just replace the bearing and call it a day. On others, the hub assembly must be removed and replaced. The most difficult type involves removing the hub assembly and setting it in a press. If you're not sure what type of wheel hub assembly you have, stop by or give your local Pep Boys store a call.

Can I replace a wheel bearing myself?

Changing your own wheel bearings is considered an intermediate job that can be done at home, but will need some speciality mechanic tools. ... Be sure to obtain your vehicle's service manual and identify the type of wheel bearing your vehicle is equipped with before you begin the repair.

How hard is it to change a rear wheel bearing?

Is it easy to replace a wheel bearing at home? Replacing a wheel bearing that comes as an assembly with the hub and bolts to the spindle or steering knuckle is not very difficult if you have proper skills, tools and the manual. Of course, the large axle nut is very tight and can be difficult to remove.

How long does it take to replace a rear wheel bearing?

A front wheel bearing replacement on average takes around 90 minutes, whereas a rear wheel bearing replacement takes on average just under 1 hour.

How do I know if my rear wheel bearings need replacing?

The classic sounds of a bad wheel bearing are cyclic chirping, squealing and/or growling noise. You can also tell that the sound is related to wheel bearings if it changes in proportion to vehicle speed. The sound can get worse with every turn, or it can disappear momentarily.

Should I replace both rear wheel bearings at the same time?

If bearings go bad at one wheel, it is not necessary to replace the bearings at the other wheel on the same axle. Don't let someone talk you into work that is not needed.

Is it best to replace both wheel bearings?

Both wheel bearings have racked up the same number of miles, so it's logical to conclude that both sides have probably experienced the same amount of wear. Based on this line of thinking, it would make sense to recommend replacing both wheel bearing hubs at the same time even though only one has obviously failed.

Can your tire fall off if you have a bad wheel bearing?

No, bad wheel bearings will not cause the wheel to fall off. The wheel bearings are not responsible for retaining the wheel on the axle.