How difficult is it to change this on a 1999 dodge caravan left front 15" wheel. What should I look out for. It seems that all I can get on the hub bolts is a 15mm open end. Can you give me some input. I purchased a new hub assembly with the bearing pressed in. Will I have trouble pulling the old one off?

Thx for any help.

 

There are usually holes in the hub to get a socket through. If not you'll be stuck using a wrench.

 

I usually use a open end to finish off the 2 lower bolts, but can use a ratchet or breaker to start them. Once bolts are removed, tap(or hit) around the bearing flange on the front side from the side. Depending on corrosion and where you live, the bearing will loosen and you can pull it out. I live in the northeast and once had to use an air chisel to separate the bearing assembly from the knuckle. Good luck

 

Thank you. I live in the northeast also. I am going to tackle this today. Thank goodness for garages. Thanks for that input. Very helpful. Anything else to look out for? I will let you know how it goes.
Thx

 

Would you know what size socket the retaining nut takes?
Thx

 

If you are talking about the nut that holds the axle to the bearing I believe it is a 1 1/8 socket. It may be metric but the nut is big enough where the american size will work fine.

edit: When you go to loosen the axle nut, have someone step on the brakes so you don't spin the axle.

 

No, he was talking about the four 16 or 18mm bolts that go through the backside of the knuckle that hold the wheel bearing assembly in place. You are talking about the axel nut that is 1 1/8 (which also needs to be removed).

 

Ya I wasnt sure because he asked about the retaining nut and I don't recall there being nuts holding the bearing to the spindle. I was just throwing out some info that might be needed.

 

The large retaining nut is 32mm. When I started working on it I found that the retaining nut on the axle was actually loose. I was able to take it off by hand. I went and bought the socket and a new nut kit and socked it down to 180 ft lbs. and the wheel is tight. It looks like the hub bearing is ok. Thanks for all the info. It helped a lot.