Rear wheel bearing 2012 Nissan Maxima
How-to replace a rear wheel bearing on a 2012 Nissan Maxima. I had to replace both rear bearings on a customers Maxima because they were noisy.
TOOLS REQUIRED:
-21mm socket (to remove wheels)
-19mm ratchet wrench
-17mm universal socket
-10mm socket
-appropriate size extension
-ratchet
-hammer
-wire wheel on a drill
-penetrating fluid
ESTIMATED TIME:
2 hours
STEP 1: Raise and support the rear of the vehicle safely. ALWAYS USE JACK STANDS IN PAIRS. Remove the wheel on the side of the bearing you're replacing.
STEP 2: Remove the caliper support by removing the 2 19mm bolts. Place s rag between the 2 pads so they don't fall out.
STEP 3: Remove the brake rotor. If it's caught on the parking brake shoes inside the hat, remove the rubber plug and back off the parking brake adjuster.
This picture shows the adjuster. Turn the star wheel towards the car to back off the parking brake shoes.
STEP 4: Remove the 10mm bolt holding the wheel speed sensor to the knuckle and tuck aside. I chose to do this to eliminate damage to the sensor when I hammer out the old bearing.
STEP 5: Remove the 4 17mm bolts on the back of the wheel bearing. Reinstall 1 top bolt and turn in a couple threads. This will keep the backing plate in place when you hammer out the old bearing.
STEP 6: Grab a large hammer and start smacking on the wheel bearing to separate it from the knuckle. Be careful not to hit the parking brake shoes or backing plate. Once there is a gap between the bearing and the knuckle, remove the bolt you partially threaded in and smack the bearing out the rest of the way. Expect this step to be difficult, especially if you live in the rust belt. If you have access to a hub shocker, this will make the job easier.
Pro tip: spray your preferred penetrating fluid around the bearing to aid in this removal process.
The build up of rust and corrosion where the back of the bearing sits is what makes this job difficult.
STEP 7: Remove the white dust cap and use a wire wheel on a drill to clean the area where the bearing sits. The cleaner it is, the easier assembly will be.
STEP 8: Install new bearing and replace the dust cap. Install the WSS. Be careful not to overtighten the bolt, it threads into aluminum. Reinstall the brake rotor and caliper, wheel and torque to manufacturer specifications.
Job done!