Everything You Need to Know About 2010 Chevy Malibu Wheel Bearing
Everything You Need to Know About 2010 Chevy Malibu Wheel Bearing
The 2010 Chevy Malibu is a popular midsize sedan that has been praised for its stylish design, comfortable interior, and impressive fuel economy. However, like all cars, the Malibu is not without its fair share of problems. One common issue that Malibu owners face is a faulty wheel bearing.
What is a wheel bearing?
A wheel bearing is a crucial component of your cars suspension system. It allows your wheels to spin smoothly and freely while supporting the weight of your vehicle. Wheel bearings are typically made of metal and are located inside the wheel hub.
Symptoms of a bad wheel bearing
There are several signs that may indicate a bad wheel bearing. These include:
- A grinding or growling noise coming from the wheel area.
- A vibration in the steering wheel or seat.
- Difficulty steering or turning.
- Increased tire wear on one side of the vehicle.
Causes of a bad wheel bearing
There are several factors that can contribute to a bad wheel bearing, including:
- Wear and tear: Wheel bearings are subject to a lot of wear and tear over time. This can cause them to become damaged or fail.
- Impact damage: Hitting a pothole or other object can damage a wheel bearing.
- Water damage: Water can get into the wheel bearing and cause it to rust or corrode.
- Overloading: Overloading your vehicle can put extra stress on the wheel bearings, causing them to fail.
How to replace a wheel bearing
Replacing a wheel bearing is a job that is best left to a professional mechanic. However, if you are confident in your mechanical abilities, you can follow these steps to replace the wheel bearing yourself:
1. Safety first: Before you start, park your car on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
2. Remove the wheel: Use a lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts on the wheel that is making the noise. Then, remove the wheel.
3. Remove the brake caliper: The brake caliper is attached to the wheel hub by two bolts. Remove these bolts and then carefully lift the caliper off of the rotor.
4. Remove the rotor: The rotor is held in place by a few bolts. Remove these bolts and then pull the rotor off of the wheel hub.
5. Remove the wheel bearing: The wheel bearing is located inside the wheel hub. To remove it, you will need to use a special tool called a wheel bearing puller.
6. Install the new wheel bearing: Once you have removed the old wheel bearing, you can install the new one. Be sure to follow the manufacturers instructions for installation.
7. Reassemble the wheel hub: Once the new wheel bearing is in place, you can reassemble the wheel hub. Be sure to tighten all of the bolts to the proper torque.
8. Reinstall the brake caliper: Reinstall the brake caliper on the wheel hub and tighten the bolts to the proper torque.
9. Reinstall the wheel: Reinstall the wheel on the car and tighten the lug nuts to the proper torque.
Cost of replacing a wheel bearing
The cost of replacing a wheel bearing can vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle, as well as the labor rates in your area. However, you can expect to pay between $200 and $500 for the parts and labor.
How to prevent wheel bearing failure
There are several things you can do to prevent wheel bearing failure, including:
- Avoid driving on rough roads.
- Get your cars wheel bearings inspected regularly by a mechanic.
- Replace your wheel bearings as soon as they start to show signs of wear or damage.
Conclusion
Wheel bearings are an important part of your cars suspension system. By understanding the signs and causes of a bad wheel bearing, you can help prevent a more serious problem down the road. If you suspect that your cars wheel bearings are bad, be sure to have them inspected by a mechanic as soon as possible.