Instructions to Remove Wheel Bearings in a Mazda 3
by Russell Wood
The front wheel bearings on a Mazda 3 are part of a sealed system integrated with the hub. This means that the wheel bearings can't be replaced or serviced; they can only be replaced by replacing the hub assembly. If your front wheels start squeaking or they don't seem to be rolling freely, then you'll have to replace the hub and bearing assembly. First, though, you have to remove the old assembly, which should take about 30 minutes to do per corner.
Step 1
Park the Mazda 3 on a level surface. Lift up the front end of the car using the jack and put it down on a pair of jack stands. Take off the front wheels using the tire iron and move them out of the area.
Step 2
Unbolt the front brake caliper from the steering knuckle using the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket. Lift the caliper away from the brake rotor, then suspend the brake caliper from the front end using the mechanic's wire, making sure that the brake line isn't twisted or kinked in the process and that the caliper isn't hanging from the line.
Step 3
Slide the brake rotor off the wheel hub using both hands. Unbolt the tie rod end from the steering knuckle using the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket. Unbolt the upper and lower ball joint nuts from the steering knuckle and remove the steering knuckle from the vehicle.
Step 4
Set the steering knuckle in a press and remove the hub bolts with the press. Remove the hub from the steering knuckle.
Things You'll Need
- Jack
- Jack stands
- Tire iron
- 3/8-inch ratchet and socket set
- Mechanic's wire
- Open-end wrench set
- Press
Writer Bio
Russell Wood is a writer and photographer who attended Arizona State University. He has been building custom cars and trucks since 1994, including several cover vehicles. In 2000 Wood started a career as a writer, and since then he has dedicated his business to writing and photographing cars and trucks, as well as helping people learn more about how vehicles work.
