Say Goodbye to Costly Repairs: How to Change Wheel Bearings Acura TL and Save Money

Replacing wheel bearings on your Acura TL might seem daunting, but with the right tools and a bit of patience, it’s a DIY project you can tackle. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of how to change wheel bearings Acura TL, from identifying the problem to completing the repair.

Understanding Wheel Bearings and Their Importance

Wheel bearings are essential components that allow your wheels to rotate smoothly and efficiently. They are essentially small metal balls or rollers that sit within a raceway, reducing friction and allowing the wheel to spin freely. Over time, these bearings can wear down, causing a variety of symptoms including:

• Noise: A rumbling, grinding, or roaring sound, especially when turning or driving at higher speeds.
• Vibration: A noticeable vibration or shaking in the steering wheel or through the car.
• Roughness: A feeling of unevenness or roughness when driving.
• Play in the wheel: Excessive movement or looseness in the wheel when you try to move it side to side.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to address the issue promptly to prevent further damage to your car. Replacing worn-out wheel bearings is essential for maintaining safe and comfortable driving.

Gathering the Necessary Tools and Parts

Before you start the repair, you’ll need to gather the following tools and parts:

• Tools:
• Jack and jack stands
• Lug wrench
• Torque wrench
• Breaker bar
• Socket set
• Hammer
• Pry bar
• Penetrating fluid
• Clean rags
• Safety glasses
• Gloves

• Parts:
• New wheel bearing assembly (make sure to get the correct part number for your Acura TL model and year)
• Wheel bearing race (if required)
• Hub nut (if required)
• Grease

Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing Wheel Bearings on Your Acura TL

1. Preparation:

• Safety First: Park your Acura TL on a level surface and engage the parking brake. Chock the rear wheels to prevent the car from rolling.
• Loosen Lug Nuts: Use the lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts on the affected wheel. Don’t remove them completely yet.
• Jack Up the Car: Place the jack under the designated jacking point for your Acura TL and raise the car until the affected wheel is off the ground. Secure the car using jack stands for safety.

2. Removing the Wheel:

• Remove Lug Nuts: Remove the lug nuts completely and take off the wheel.

3. Removing the Brake Caliper and Rotor:

• Loosen Caliper Bolts: Locate the bolts holding the brake caliper to the bracket. Use a socket wrench to loosen these bolts, but don’t remove them completely yet.
• Hang the Caliper: Using a wire or rope, hang the brake caliper to the suspension. This prevents stress on the brake hose.
• Remove Rotor: Remove the bolts holding the rotor to the hub. The rotor should now come off.

4. Removing the Wheel Bearing Assembly:

• Remove Hub Nut: Use a breaker bar and socket to remove the hub nut from the center of the rotor. This can be very tight, so you might need to use a pipe extension on the breaker bar for leverage.
• Remove the Old Bearing: Use a pry bar to gently separate the wheel bearing assembly from the hub. You may need to tap on the assembly with a hammer to break it free.

5. Installing the New Wheel Bearing:

• Clean the Hub: Thoroughly clean the hub and the new bearing assembly using a wire brush or a rag.
• Grease the New Bearing: Pack the new wheel bearing with grease. This will help ensure smooth operation and prevent premature wear.
• Install the New Bearing: Place the new wheel bearing assembly onto the hub. Ensure it’s seated properly and aligned.
• Install the Hub Nut: Tighten the hub nut to the specified torque, which you can find in your Acura TL’s owner’s manual or online.

6. Reassembly:

• Reinstall the Rotor: Place the rotor back onto the hub and tighten the bolts.
• Reinstall the Caliper: Remove the wire or rope holding the caliper and reattach it to the bracket. Tighten the bolts to the specified torque.
• Lower the Car: Lower the car using the jack and remove the jack stands.
• Tighten Lug Nuts: Tighten the lug nuts to the specified torque.

7. Test Drive:

• Road Test: Take your Acura TL for a test drive to ensure the new wheel bearing is working properly. Listen for any unusual noises or vibrations.

A Final Word on Wheel Bearing Replacement

Replacing wheel bearings on your Acura TL is a relatively straightforward repair that can be done at home with the right tools and knowledge. However, if you’re not comfortable performing this repair, it’s always best to seek professional assistance from a qualified mechanic.

Beyond the Repair: Maintaining Your Acura TL’s Wheel Bearings

Once you’ve replaced your wheel bearings, it’s important to follow these tips to extend their lifespan:

• Regular Inspections: Regularly inspect your wheel bearings for any signs of wear or damage.
• Proper Lubrication: Make sure the bearings are adequately lubricated with grease.
• Avoid Overloading: Avoid overloading your car, as this can put extra stress on the bearings.
• Proper Driving Techniques: Avoid aggressive driving habits, such as sudden acceleration and braking, which can accelerate wear on the bearings.

Questions You May Have

1. How often should I replace my Acura TL‘s wheel bearings?

The lifespan of wheel bearings varies depending on factors such as driving conditions, maintenance, and driving habits. However, generally, they can last anywhere from 50,000 to 100,000 miles.

2. Can I replace just the bearing or do I need to replace the entire assembly?

In some cases, you might be able to replace just the bearing. However, it’s often more cost-effective and efficient to replace the entire assembly, as this includes the bearing, race, and hub nut.

3. What are the signs of a bad wheel bearing?

The most common signs of a bad wheel bearing include noise (rumbling, grinding, roaring), vibration, roughness when driving, and excessive play in the wheel.

4. Can I drive my Acura TL with a bad wheel bearing?

It’s not recommended to drive with a bad wheel bearing, as it can cause further damage to your car and potentially lead to a dangerous situation.

5. How much does it cost to replace a wheel bearing on an Acura TL?

The cost of replacing a wheel bearing can vary depending on the labor costs in your area and the specific part needed. However, on average, you can expect to pay between $200 and $500 for the repair.