2004 Toyota Tundra Front Wheel Bearing Replacement: A Comprehensive Guide

Replacing the front wheel bearing on a 2004 Toyota Tundra is a relatively common repair that can be performed by most home mechanics. The cost of a new wheel bearing is around $100, and the labor cost to have it replaced by a mechanic is around $200. However, if youre comfortable working on your own vehicle, you can save a significant amount of money by doing the repair yourself.

Tools and Materials Needed

New front wheel bearing
Socket wrench
19mm socket
21mm socket
Hammer
Punch
Pry bar
Jack and jack stands

Safety First

Before you begin, its important to take some safety precautions. Park your Tundra on a level surface and engage the parking brake. Allow the engine to cool completely before beginning work. Wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from flying debris.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Remove the wheel

Loosen the lug nuts on the front wheel that youre replacing. Do not remove them completely. Jack up the Tundra and place a jack stand under the frame. Remove the lug nuts and take off the wheel.

2. Remove the caliper

Locate the two bolts that hold the caliper in place. Use an 18mm socket to remove the bolts. Carefully lift the caliper off the rotor and support it with a bungee cord or wire. Do not let the caliper hang by the brake hose.

3. Remove the rotor

Use a 21mm socket to remove the two bolts that hold the rotor in place. Pull the rotor straight off the hub.

4. Remove the hub assembly

Use a 19mm socket to remove the four bolts that hold the hub assembly in place. Pull the hub assembly straight off the spindle.

5. Remove the old wheel bearing

Use a punch and hammer to drive the old wheel bearing out of the hub assembly. Be careful not to damage the hub assembly.

6. Install the new wheel bearing

Use a hammer to drive the new wheel bearing into the hub assembly. Make sure that the bearing is seated all the way in.

7. Reinstall the hub assembly

Place the hub assembly back on the spindle. Thread the four bolts into place and tighten them to 35 ft-lbs.

8. Reinstall the rotor

Place the rotor back on the hub assembly. Thread the two bolts into place and tighten them to 23 ft-lbs.

9. Reinstall the caliper

Place the caliper back on the rotor. Thread the two bolts into place and tighten them to 25 ft-lbs.

10. Reinstall the wheel

Place the wheel back on the hub assembly. Thread the lug nuts into place and tighten them to 80 ft-lbs.

Tips

If youre not comfortable replacing the wheel bearing yourself, you can have it done by a mechanic. The cost of labor to replace a wheel bearing is around $200.
If youre replacing both front wheel bearings, its a good idea to replace the seals as well.
Wheel bearings typically last for around 100,000 miles. However, if you drive in rough conditions, you may need to replace them sooner.

Story of a successful replacement

I had to replace the front wheel bearing on my 2004 Toyota Tundra recently. I was a little nervous about doing it myself, but Im glad I did. It was actually pretty easy, and I saved a lot of money by doing it myself. If youre thinking about replacing the wheel bearing on your Tundra, I encourage you to give it a try.

Conclusion

Replacing the front wheel bearing on a 2004 Toyota Tundra is a relatively easy repair that can be performed by most home mechanics. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can save a significant amount of money by doing the repair yourself.