The Ultimate Guide to 2011 Chevy Malibu Wheel Bearings

Introduction

The 2011 Chevy Malibu is a popular midsize sedan that is known for its reliability and performance. However, like all vehicles, the Malibu can experience some common problems, including issues with the wheel bearings.

Benefits of Replacing Wheel Bearings

Replacing the wheel bearings on your 2011 Chevy Malibu can provide a number of benefits, including:

Improved safety: Worn wheel bearings can cause the wheels to wobble or become loose, which can lead to accidents. Replacing the wheel bearings can help to prevent these problems and ensure that your vehicle is safe to drive.

Better handling: Worn wheel bearings can also affect the handling of your vehicle. The vehicle may be more difficult to control, and it may wander or pull to one side. Replacing the wheel bearings can help to improve the handling of your vehicle and make it more fun to drive.

Increased fuel efficiency: Worn wheel bearings can cause the wheels to drag, which can reduce fuel efficiency. Replacing the wheel bearings can help to reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency.

How to Replace Wheel Bearings

Replacing the wheel bearings on a 2011 Chevy Malibu is a relatively simple process that can be completed in a few hours. Here is a step-by-step guide to replacing the wheel bearings:

1. Gather the necessary tools and materials. You will need a jack, jack stands, a socket wrench, a torque wrench, and new wheel bearings.
2. Safety first! Park your vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. Loosen the lug nuts. Do not remove them completely.
4. Jack up the vehicle. Place the jack under the designated jack point near the wheel that you are working on. Raise the vehicle until there is about 6 inches of clearance between the ground and the tire.
5. Remove the lug nuts. Once the vehicle is raised, remove the lug nuts and take off the tire.
6. Remove the brake caliper. The brake caliper is held in place by two bolts. Remove the bolts and carefully remove the caliper.
7. Remove the rotor. The rotor is held in place by a single bolt. Remove the bolt and pull off the rotor.
8. Remove the wheel bearing. The wheel bearing is pressed into the steering knuckle. Use a socket wrench to remove the bolts that hold the bearing in place and carefully remove the bearing.
9. Install the new wheel bearing. Press the new wheel bearing into the steering knuckle.
10. Reinstall the rotor. Slide the rotor onto the wheel bearing and tighten the bolt.
11. Reinstall the brake caliper. Place the brake caliper over the rotor and tighten the bolts.
12. Reinstall the tire. Place the tire on the wheel bearing and tighten the lug nuts.
13. Lower the vehicle. Slowly lower the vehicle until it is resting on the ground.
14. Tighten the lug nuts. Use a torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts to the specified torque.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When replacing the wheel bearings on a 2011 Chevy Malibu, there are a few common mistakes to avoid:

1. Using the wrong tools. Using the wrong tools can damage the wheel bearings or the steering knuckle.
2. Not following the proper torque specifications. Overtightening or undertightening the bolts can damage the wheel bearings or the steering knuckle.
3. Not replacing the wheel bearings in pairs. The wheel bearings on a 2011 Chevy Malibu are sold in pairs, and it is important to replace both bearings at the same time.
4. Not greasing the wheel bearings. The wheel bearings should be greased before they are installed.
5. Not checking the wheel alignment. After replacing the wheel bearings, it is important to check the wheel alignment.

FAQs About Wheel Bearings

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about wheel bearings:

What are the symptoms of bad wheel bearings? The most common symptoms of bad wheel bearings include:

• A humming or grinding noise from the wheels
• A vibration in the steering wheel or seat
• The vehicle pulling to one side
• Premature tire wear

How often should I replace my wheel bearings? The frequency with which you should replace your wheel bearings will vary depending on your driving habits and the condition of the roads you drive on. However, most experts recommend replacing the wheel bearings every 50,000 to 100,000 miles.

How much does it cost to replace wheel bearings? The cost of replacing wheel bearings varies depending on the make and model of your vehicle and the location of the repair. However, you can expect to pay between $200 and $500 for the parts and labor.

Conclusion

Replacing the 2011 Chevy Malibu wheel bearing is a relatively simple process that can be completed in a few hours. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can save money and ensure that your vehicle is safe to drive.