How to Repair the Wheel Bearings on a BMW 318I


1. Move the car jack underneath the BMW. Place the jack slightly off center so that the jack is slightly closer to the wheel which you will be replacing the bearings on. Raise the jack up to move the vehicle off the ground. Support the weight of the vehicle by placing jack stands along with the jack.
2. Use a lug wrench to remove the lug nuts fixed to the wheel. Take the wheel off the axle and place in a safe area. Ensure you do not damage the tire or rim.
3. Remove the mounting bolts from the brake caliper. Move a brake caliper away from its bracket and rest it on a wooden block. This will help prevent you from damaging the brake line. Remove the retaining bolt from the back of the rotor and remove it from the wheel assembly.
4. Take the mounting bolts from the wheel hub to allow you to gain access to the wheel bearings. Wriggle the hub free from the wheel assembly. If the hub is a little stuck use a wooden mallet to tap it free. Remove the inner and outer bearings from the hub.
5. Check the quality of the removed bearings. If any holes or grooves are present in the bearings you should discard them in the trash. Place the new bearings in to the hub. Tap them in place gently so that they are secure. Reattach the wheel assembly by following the removal steps in reverse.