Sooner or later, any car owner will be faced with a problem related to the failure of the front wheel bearing on a Grant. It is good if the product is replaced on time, when the first signs are detected. It is worse if the driver ignores signs indicating a faulty element, which can lead to a serious traffic accident.
The main purpose of wheel bearings is to maintain and ensure proper rotation of the wheels. From a structural point of view, the product consists of two metal rings, between which there are rollers or balls, an insulating material that prevents debris from entering and lubricant from leaking out of the product.
Symptoms of a problem
Problems associated with the front hub are identified by the following symptoms:
- extraneous, unnatural noise from the wheel during rotation;
- wheel beating, vibrations of varying degrees of intensity;
- sounds of scraping metal;
- front wheel play appears.
Causes of breakdowns
The service life of the product is quite long and amounts to about one hundred thousand kilometers, subject to gentle operation. However, in real “combat” conditions, the element fails much earlier than its allotted time. Here are 3 important factors that significantly reduce the service life of a bearing:
- Unsatisfactory condition of roads. The fact is that when driving on an uneven surface, wheel bearings take on increased load, sudden impacts, and exposure to high and low temperatures. Over time, the metal components of the product become brittle and begin to break down.
- Aggressive environments. Due to the fact that the element is located in the center of the wheel, it is constantly in contact with moisture, water, dust, and dirt. In winter it is exposed to cold temperatures and in summer to hot temperatures.
- High operating temperatures. The rotation process is accompanied by the natural release of heat; constant heating and cooling occurs (especially in winter conditions), which has a detrimental effect on strength and wear resistance.
The device of the hub on the Lada Grant
Front
- rounded fist;
- external and internal dirt-reflective metal rings;
- front roller bearings;
- hub;
- washer;
- hub nut;
- retaining ring, plug.
Rear hub device
- hub mechanism axis;
- metal ball bearing;
- mud ring;
- retaining ring;
- washer;
- screw;
- sealing ring;
- rubber boot;
- hub cover.
Resource for replacing hub mechanism elements
The average service life of wheel joints is 80 – 85 thousand km. The indicator is average, as it depends on the following factors:
- quality of workmanship of the part;
- frequency of operation of the technical device;
- driving style;
- quality of road surface;
- aggressive environment;
- high operating temperatures;
- compliance with technical inspection intervals.
Signs that a hub needs to be replaced
- the appearance of uncharacteristic noise during wheel rotation;
- wheel runout in the steering column;
- vibrations at different speeds. Sometimes there is vibration at a certain speed;
- metallic grinding noise as the wheel rotates;
- front wheel hub play.
Diagnostics of the hub mechanism
- We place the car on a level platform, squeeze the parking brake if we are checking the front row. For the rear, we install wheel chocks.
- Let's jack up the front (rear) part.
- We turn the car wheel and carry out troubleshooting.
- We shake the wheel up and down with our hands. In good condition there should be no play. Otherwise, we dismantle and replace worn elements.
Replacing the front wheel bearing on a Grant
Work related to removal and installation will require special tools, namely: - a special hub puller; - chisel; - hammer; — a long lever or a specialized wrench to loosen the hub nut; - set of heads; - center punch; — a knob or key set to “30”; - a flat-head screwdriver; — retaining ring remover (or pliers with round ends); - jack or ditch lift; — wheel stands (2 pieces).
Conventionally, all work can be divided into 18 stages:
- Place the vehicle on a level surface, provide acceptable lighting conditions, and place chocks under the rear wheels.
- We loosen, but do not unscrew the bolts securing the wheel where replacement is planned.
- We loosen the tightening torque for the hub nut (it is most convenient to use a long lever).
- Using a jack, we lift the required side of the car. We dismantle the wheel.
- Using a screwdriver, pry and disconnect the protective plastic cap of the hub.
- Using a hammer and a center punch, straighten the shoulder of the bearing nut.
- Unscrew the hub nut. Please note that the tightening torque is quite high, so it is necessary to use a special wrench or tool with a long lever. Remove the nut and washer. Remove the brake disc.
- Disconnect the wheel drive.
- Unscrew the two bolts of the strut and ball joint.
- Unscrew the steering knuckle fasteners and remove it from the CV joint.
- We install the unit in a vice and, using a head of the required diameter, press in the wheel bearing.
- Remove the special protective ring.
- We place the chisel between the ends of the inner ring and, applying small blows with a hammer to the chisel, tear the ring to the side. Using a special puller we dismantle it.
- Using pliers or round-nose pliers, remove the retaining ring and remove the bearing.
- Using a brush with metal bristles, clean the inside of the steering knuckle from dirt. Then apply lubricant to the cleaned surface.
- Install the new product back into the steering knuckle.
- Further assembly is carried out in reverse order.
Now you know how to change the front wheel bearing on a Grant at home, without resorting to the help of car services.
Where are the front and rear hubs on the Lada Grant? Description, purpose
The front hub joint is located on the front left (right) side of the axle shaft. The rear hinge is located in the rear left (right) suspension block.
The main purpose of the bearing is to firmly hold the hub and ensure wheel rotation. Structurally, the front (rear) hub consists of:
- outer and inner metal frame;
- a separator in which metal balls and rollers are located;
- insulating rings;
- special filler - graphite-based lubricant.
