Front Hub Replacement

[sam3631]

I'm new to the site and also pretty new to fixing my truck so I figure I'd run this by everybody here first.

I have a 2005 LE 2WD. I hear and feel a grinding on the driver side front tire. Two mechanics told me the bearing was wearing out.

I just ordered and received a new Nissan hub assembly from CourtesyParts Nissan. I have not taken the truck apart yet. I am just preparing and investigating.

The new hub has a stamped metal cup/cover on the side that faces in towards the engine. Is this permanent or do I have to remove it? It doesn't move at all with hand power.

On the wheel stud side, there is a 'hole' in the middle that is covered with a black membrane type material. Almost looks like it is poured in or heated in somehow. It feels pretty permanent.

I'm confused by all of this because when I look at the parts diagram and also the service manual it looks like the axle (I don't even know if that is the real name or not) should stick through the hub and then get an axle nut and cotter pin.

Is the diagram applicable to 2WD or 4 WD? Do I remove the metal cover? The black membrane stuff?

I popped the little plastic Nissan cover off the center of my drivers front wheel to see if I see an axle nut. I do not. It appears to be the same type of black stuff. Does that mean the hub goes on as delivered to me?

I called CourtesyParts but the guy on the phone didn't know what I was talking about.

It may become obvious once I take off the tire and brake stuff but I want to check here first.

Sorry for the long second post.
Mike

[dubie2003]

Assemble as-is. Old school hubs are repackage but new school Nissan crap is lubed for life.

[Alpine_Mike]

What's up Mike... The stamped metal cover on the back side should be permanent, as these are sealed/no-maintenance items. Hubs are the same for 2 & 4wd, for a 4wd the axles go through the center, with yes an axle nut and cotter pin. I'm assuming the 'black membrane' is just there to cover the hole if the hubs will be used on a 2wd, otherwise you probably pop them out for the axles. Hope this helps!

[sam3631]

Thanks, Dubie2003.

Does that mean once I get the brake caliper bracket removed I'll only have to remove the 4 bolts that hold on the hub? No axle nut to remove?

[sam3631]

Great, thanks Alpine Mike.

I may try it this weekend.

I'll report back later.

[dubie2003]

Originally Posted by sam3631

Thanks, Dubie2003.

Does that mean once I get the brake caliper bracket removed I'll only have to remove the 4 bolts that hold on the hub? No axle nut to remove?

Yup, as easy as can be. I would also download the fsm from the sticky to ensure you have all the torques correct.

[pidge]

Ive got to do mine tomorrow. Anyone know what size the axel nut is? To me its like SAM said 4 bolts on the back side, but dose one have to remove the upper ball joint to let the spindle drop forward to allow the shaft to slide out? I rember a write up on this, im gonna have a look for it, if I find it I'll post it here.

Found it, hope this helps. DIY - Replace Front Hub/Bearing Aeesmbly

[sam3631]

Replaced the hub last weekend. The grinding is gone and so far so good.

The two pain in the neck parts of the project were getting the sensor connector disconnected and banging off the rotor. I guess it was baked on pretty good. I didn't know how hard I had to hit it w/the hammer.

[nitricacid]

what size was the hub axle nut? 32mm?

[pidge]

yes.