How to replace the wheel bearings on a Freelander 2 - pictures

<span>Front wheel hub bearing and steering knuckle assembly is part number DA1214, and a new driveshaft retainer bolt is part number LR000577</span>

<span>The wheel bearing is contained in the wheel steering knuckle, which is secured onto the MacPherson strut and lower arm.</span>

<span>The ball joint nut securing the steering rack tie-rod to the wheel knuckle is undone and removed, and the rod released using a ball joint splitter.</span>

<span>Working at the back of the hub assembly, the securing bolts that are holding the brake caliper assembly to the wheel knuckle are released.</span>

<span>The brake caliper’s two securing bolts are removed and the complete brake caliper assembly lifted off from the brake disc.</span>

<span>Once removed, the brake caliper assembly is secured clear of the wheel knuckle so as to not strain the brake hose.</span>

<span>The driveshaft retainer bolt securing the driveshaft end to the wheel hub is removed and discarded, as a new one should be fitted during assembly.</span>

<span>The clamp bolt securing the wheel knuckle top onto the left hand MacPherson strut is undone. More often than not this is seized.</span>

<span>The brake disc single retaining screw that holds the brake disc in position onto the front hub assembly is removed.</span>

<span>If the brake disc is seized onto the hub assembly, it is removed from the hub using a soft-faced hammer. Light force may be required.</span>

<span>Once the disc is removed we could see that corrosion had rusted the inside of the brake disc onto the hub assembly.s</span>

<span>The three screws that are securing the brake disc shield onto the wheel knuckle are removed, then the brake shield is lifted off.</span>

<span>With care, as the Torx bolt is easily snapped, the securing bolt holding the ABS/speed sensor into the wheel knuckle is undone and removed</span>

<span>Again with care, as its easily damaged, a pry bar eases the ABS/speed sensor out from the top of the wheel knuckle.</span>

<span>Once removed from the wheel knuckle, the sensor is carefully moved clear of the work to avoid it becoming damaged.</span>

<span>The securing nut holding the suspension lower control arm onto the wheel knuckle is removed, and then the ball joint can be split.</span>

<span>Using a suitable soft punch, the driveshaft is then knocked back through the front hub assembly and the wheel knuckle.</span>

<span>When the drive shaft has been knocked back, the wheel knuckle can be pulled outward, moving it clear of the driveshaft.</span>

<span>With the driveshaft removed from the hub/wheel knuckle assembly, it is knocked downward off the MacPherson strut.</span>

<span>With the help of a pry bar, the complete wheel knuckle and hub assembly can now be removed from the vehicle.</span>

<span>Now, the new wheel hub bearing and knuckle assembly is fitted into position on the MacPherson strut and the clamp bolt refitted.</span>

<span>With the wheel hub bearing and knuckle assembly in position, the driveshaft can be slid back into the new hub and the lower arm refitted.</span>

<span>With the driveshaft now in position the ABS/speed sensor is fitted into the hub assembly, and the retaining bolt fitted.</span>

<span>The steering tie-rod end ball joint is fitted into the wheel knuckle, and the ball joint securing nut is fitted and tightened.</span>

<span>A new driveshaft retainer bolt is screwed into the end of the driveshaft. It is recommended that a new bolt is used every time.</span>

<span>The driveshaft bolt is tightened to the correct torque setting. This process pulls the shaft fully into position in the hub.</span>

<span>The brake disc shield is refitted and the three retaining screws tightened. The shield prevents brake dust from spreading and keeps dirt off the disc.</span>

<span>Before refitting the brake disc, some anti-seize grease is applied to the hub to prevent the disc seizing onto the hub again.</span>

<span>The brake disc and caliper are refitted, tightening all bolts to the specified torque. At this stage, all bolts are re-checked for tightness.</span>

<span>With the job now completed, the road wheel is refitted, and the wheel nuts tightened to the correct torque setting.</span>