Do-it-yourself replacement of thrust bearings

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42

Currently the most popular type of chassis is the MacPherson suspension. It is present on all modern cars, including domestic ones. A vivid example of this is the VAZ of the "ninth" family. However, no matter what car this suspension is on, its most vulnerable link will remain the thrust bearing. A symptom that indicates the need to replace it is a characteristic knock near the wheel arches of the car. If you have such signs, you simply need to replace the thrust bearings. In today's article, we will try to describe in detail the process of installing this part.

How is a pillow block replaced?

"Opel" and many other foreign cars have a similar principle of replacing this part. Therefore, the instructions below will fit most modern cars.

Solet's get to work. First, unscrew the hub nut that secures the CV joint to the hub. To do this, take a jack and raise it. If necessary (when the wheel spins), fix the brake pedal with some heavy object or ask a friend to press it all the way down. Then you should remove the wheel itself. Next, we take out the cotter pin, unscrew the nut and disconnect the steering knuckle from the bipod. Never use a hammer when removing the ball stud. This process is carried out using a special puller. You can buy it in any specialized store. So, insert the puller and scroll it until the bipod and steering fist are separated.

Now we pick up the mount and carefully part the brake pads. You should not use the disk as a support, as the mount will simply deform it. Next, unscrew the fixing nuts and take out the ball joint. This is also done using a special puller. After that, we take a device with hooks and tighten the spring.

Spread the brake pads with a pry bar, being careful. When squeezing, do not use the brake disc as a support for the lever, as it is quite fragile. After that, simply unscrew the mounting bolts. Use coarse sandpaper if necessary. But the replacement of thrust bearings does not end there. Now unscrew the stem nut. This is done with a rack wrench. By its design, it is 2 metal tubes insertedinto each other. The first part, located inside the tool, holds the groove, and the second unwinds the stem nut. After that, the old bearing can be easily removed. Further, the replacement of thrust bearings is accompanied by the installation of new parts. Assembly is done in reverse order.

After that, we can assume that the replacement of thrust bearings is completed. However, after these works, you still have to pump the brake pedal so that the pads fit properly on the disc.

Replacing the front strut support bearing is the same as installing the rear strut, so this instruction can be applied to any side and direction.