Left Wheel Bearing: An Essential Guide for Car Owners

Every car has four wheels, and each wheel relies on a left wheel bearing to keep it spinning smoothly. Without a properly functioning left wheel bearing, your car would not be able to move.

Benefits of a Left Wheel Bearing

1. Smooth and Quiet Operation

A left wheel bearing is responsible for reducing friction between the wheel and the axle. If the left wheel bearing is worn or damaged, it can cause the wheel to wobble or vibrate, which can lead to a noisy and uncomfortable ride.

2. Increased Fuel Efficiency

A properly functioning left wheel bearing will allow the wheel to spin more freely, which can reduce rolling resistance and improve fuel efficiency. According to the Society of Automotive Engineers, a worn or damaged left wheel bearing can increase rolling resistance by up to 10%, which can lead to a decrease in fuel efficiency of up to 2 miles per gallon.

3. Improved Handling and Stability

A left wheel bearing is also responsible for keeping the wheel aligned with the axle. If the left wheel bearing is worn or damaged, it can cause the wheel to wander or pull to one side, which can make the car difficult to control.

How to Replace a Left Wheel Bearing

Replacing a left wheel bearing is a relatively straightforward process, but it can be time-consuming. If you are not comfortable working on your own car, you should take it to a mechanic.

1. Gather the necessary tools and materials.

You will need the following tools and materials to replace a left wheel bearing:

• Jack and jack stands
• Lug wrench
• Socket wrench
• Hammer
• Chisel
• New left wheel bearing

2. Remove the wheel.

Use the jack and jack stands to raise the car and remove the wheel from the left wheel bearing you are replacing.

3. Remove the brake caliper.

Use the socket wrench to remove the two bolts that hold the brake caliper in place. Then, lift the brake caliper off the rotor and hang it out of the way with a bungee cord.

4. Remove the hub assembly.

Use the socket wrench to remove the four bolts that hold the hub assembly in place. Then, use the hammer and chisel to gently pry the hub assembly off the spindle.

5. Remove the old left wheel bearing.

Use the socket wrench to remove the three bolts that hold the left wheel bearing in place. Then, use the hammer and chisel to carefully pry the left wheel bearing off the hub assembly.

6. Install the new left wheel bearing.

Use the socket wrench to tighten the three bolts that hold the new left wheel bearing in place. Then, use the hammer and chisel to gently tap the new left wheel bearing into place on the hub assembly.

7. Reinstall the hub assembly.

Use the socket wrench to tighten the four bolts that hold the hub assembly in place. Then, use the hammer and chisel to gently tap the hub assembly back onto the spindle.

8. Reinstall the brake caliper.

Use the socket wrench to tighten the two bolts that hold the brake caliper in place. Then, lower the car and remove the jack stands.

9. Test drive the car.

Take the car for a test drive to make sure that the new left wheel bearing is working properly.

FAQs About Left Wheel Bearing

1. How often should I replace my left wheel bearings?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends that you replace your left wheel bearings every 50,000 to 100,000 miles. However, the frequency of replacement may vary depending on your driving habits and the condition of your car.

2. What are the signs of a bad left wheel bearing?

There are several signs that may indicate that your left wheel bearing is going bad. These signs include:

• Noise
• Vibration
• Wobbly or loose wheel
• Decreased fuel efficiency

3. How much does it cost to replace a left wheel bearing?

The cost of replacing a left wheel bearing will vary depending on the make and model of your car, as well as the location of the repair. However, you can expect to pay between $200 and $500 for the parts and labor.