i have to replace my FRONT hub bearings. is it something i can do in the garage or does it require some special tools? i replaced the rears last year with no issues, but i'm not sure about the front wheel drive.

 

It’s a simply job with no special tools other although an impact wrench is handy. Make sure you get a new nut as well as the hub as that nut is really only a one-time use item. Other than that, it is really straightforward.

One tip that worked for me is that I loosened all the nuts in the back a few turns and taped them with a hammer to dislodge the hub. You do not have to remove the wheel sensor if you are careful.

Good luck and let us know how you make out.

///Rich

PS-An OEM hub is best!

 

It's not a difficult job but depending on if the car was driven in salt/winter the wheel bearing can be pretty difficult to separate from the hub. I wouldn't start the job unless you're prepared to remove the hub/knuckle assembly from the car for suitable application of a BFH.

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Only issue I experienced was separating the axle from the hub/bearing assembly.

 

Its a little bit of a job, the back bolts on the wheel bearing hub can be a tricky to get to , and making sure you don't damage the ABS sensor. make sure you clean the rust between the wheel bearing and the axle carrier and replace the large nuts as they are pinched lip to the end of the axle. Impact wrench is a must for the large nut. Clean the spindle end after you take it out and insert it into the new wheel bearing.

What year is you MINI? There is a year split at 7/2006 production ?

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...placement.html

&

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...acement-2.html

Thanks

 

thank you for everyone's input. the production date stamp is 02/05.

I may have to obtain some airtools, or pay someone then. i dont own any.

 

You can get the nut off yourself but it'll probably require a large breaker bar and a piece of pipe.

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You are welcome. Follow the -7/2006 production MINI wheel bearing. Invest in some tools and it will pay off down the road on more repairs.

 

Buy the tools today for more jobs tomorrow. Pay someone today and pay someone again tomorrow since you still won't have the tools.

Years ago I pulled pistons out of a Fiat engine I was working on. Never did it before, but I was young and ambitious. The job went well and I was satisfied and got to know the car a bit better. Then some time later the synchros went on the tranny. Another job, more satisfaction. As long as you aren't pressured by time and have a suitable location to work, jump in with both feet. Take pictures when you aren't comfortable with reassembly procedures and move slowly and deliberately. The rewards will be more than you can ever know, plus you won't be as intimidated by similar jobs in the future.

 

Easy job, do it yourself.

 

Only issue I had with mine, an '02, was the T50 torx bolt on the rotor not wanting to budge. I ended up drilling it out to remove the rotor...not needed anyway and consider it weight removal...lol. The 4 hub bolts were tough due to some corrosion on the threads but copious amounts of liquid wrench as you work them back and forth will do it.

 

DIY - will take about 1 hour a hub

 

For Feb 2005 build date, this is the part no. for your front hubs. 31226756889.

In July 2006 they shifted to the 14mm lugs, you have 12mm. BMW specifies that when the front hubs are replaced you MUST also replace the 4 mounting bolts ( #8 ) . Part no. 07119904141.



Just like upper cylinder head bolts and alike they are not reusable. These are tightened and then given another 30*. Check your Bentley manual, should be in there too.

 

Part year split is linked above in my post. Like gray raven mentioned , watch for the split year, that's were the lug bolts changed also.

We ave the hardware kits linked above also.



Thanks