Repair And Fix it

Wheel bearing failure is a common cause of driving troubles that may lead to damage of the cars drivetrain, or at the very least cause some obnoxious noises. The Dodge Avenger features maintenance-free wheel bearings. As a result, when the bearings no longer operate properly they must be replaced with the entire wheel hub assembly. This procedure requires removal of the steering knuckle, so it may be beneficial to consider replacing other elements of the steering and drivetrain during this repair to avoid future frustration.

Instructions

1

Loosen the wheel hub bolt and remove the wheel cotter pin. Raise the front of the vehicle and support it on jack stands, then remove the wheel.

2

Remove the steering knuckle from the vehicle. This will require removing the brake calipers from the rotor and disengaging the tie rod ends and the lower ball joint. Doing this will require the use of a tie rod presser and a ball joint separator tool.

3

Remove the bolts holding the wheel hub to the steering knuckle once the knuckle has been removed from the vehicle. It is recommended to do this on a bench or other solid surface. Remove the hub from the steering knuckle by gently tapping it with a soft mallet.

4

Clean the mating surface between the steering knuckle and the wheel hub. Install the new hub assembly and tighten the bolts to 65 foot-pounds of torque.

5

Reinstall the steering knuckle and the brake calipers. Install the tire and lower the vehicle. Tighten the wheel hub nut and install a new cotter pin. Drive the vehicle to check for proper alignment.