How To Replace Wheel Bearings On Dodge Vans

Replacing the wheel bearings is an integral part of your tune-up. The bearings will get old and dry and eventually wear out. Normally replacing the wheel bearings can be done when you replace the brakes on your van. You will need to pull the bearings out to replace or repair your rotor. Most mechanics will buy the new bearings when they replace the brake pads. This will provide a quiet and smooth stop.

Jack the van up leaving clearance between the ground and the bottom of the tire. Remove the front wheel.

Locate and remove the two bolts holding the caliper in place. They will be in back of the caliper.

Remove the dust cap in the center of the spindle. This can be done by prying it out with a screwdriver.

Pry the cotter pin with a pair of pliers. You may need to straighten the ends of the pin out.

Loosen the nut and unscrew it off the spindle. The washer will come out behind it.

Pull the rotor off the spindle. You may need to tap it with a hammer if it does not come out.

Empty the old bearings and oil seal from the inside of the rotor if they have not fallen out during removal. The wheel seal will pry out with a flathead screwdriver.

Replacing the bearings on a Dodge Van

Pack the bearings in white lithium grease. Place the bearings in the tub of grease to ensure grease gets properly circulated in the bearings.

Clean the spindle off with a clean rag. Clean the rotor out of any debris if your using the old one.

Pull the larger bearing out of the tub of grease. Place the bearing and the race in the back end of the rotor. Place the oil seal on the back end of the rotor. You can tap it in with a hammer. Make sure it is flush with the rotor.

Fill the remaining space with grease to make sure the bearing is properly lubricated. This will ensure the bearing is properly packed as well.

Slide the rotor on the assembly. It will slide to the back of the spindle. If the rotor does not go all the way you will need to pull the rotor off to inspect for blockage.

Place the smaller bearing and race in the spindle on the front end. The bearing and race will slide to the back of the front half of the rotor.

Pack the remaining portion of space with grease to ensure the bearing is packed. This will keep the bearing lubricated.

Slide the washer on the spindle. Follow it with the lock nut. Tighten the nut until it is snug. When the nut is snug, turn the nut back half a turn.

Slip the cotter pin into the hole on the lock nut. Separate the bottom of the cotter pin to ensure it does not slip out.

Mount the wheel back on the van. Repeat steps on the other front wheel.