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Audi A4 B7: How to Replace Wheel Bearings

Do you hear an irregular sound that increases with speed as you drive? It could be the wheel bearings. Find out how to replace it here.

By Piyush Kayastha - April 4, 2016

This article applies to the Audi A4 B7 (2004-2008).

Wheel bearings are extremely important components when considering the safety of operating your vehicle at both low and normal driving speeds. They are the single components that allow your wheels to spin free of friction and heat. They are usually comprised of a metal ring (race) and steel balls (bearings) that provide smooth rotation of your wheels. When the bearings wear out over time, the wheels operate erratically and an uneven rotation is noticed. This is usually accompanied by a loud whining, screeching or grinding noise that increases with speed. It's ideal to replace them in regular intervals to maintain the safety of you, your passengers and drivers around you. While you might have some time, from the time the initial sounds are heard, you should not delay this service.

Audi A4 B7: How to Replace Wheel Bearings

Materials Needed

  • Impact wrench
  • Breaker bar
  • Pliers
  • Dead blow
  • Socket wrench
  • Various wrenches

Step 1 – Raise the vehicle

In order to get at the wheel bearing, the vehicle's wheels will need to be removed.

  • Using a tire iron, loosen the lug bolts on the side you will be working on first.
  • Chock the rear wheels.
  • Raise the vehicle using a jack.
  • Secure vehicle on jack stands.
  • Remove the wheel completely and set aside.
audi a4 b7 b8 hub wheel bearing replace remove press DIY how to
Figure 1. Secure your car on jack stands and remove wheels.

Pro Tip

If you don't loosen the wheels before raising the vehicle, you will need to lower the vehicle and start again; unless, you have a strong impact gun.

Step 2 – Remove axle nut

Central to the wheel bearing, axle and wheel rotor is the axle nut. It will need to be removed to access the old bearing for replacement.

  • Using a socket on the breaker bar, turn the nut counterclockwise.
audi a4 b7 b8 hub wheel bearing replace remove press DIY how to
Figure 2. Remove axle nut with 12mm Allen socket and breaker bar.

Pro Tip

This nut is held on pretty strong and it might be made easier to work by using an impact wrench. Be careful not to strip the bolt.

Step 3 – Remove caliper and rotor

The brake caliper encompasses the rotor and will need to be removed and set aside for clearance to work on the bearings.

  • Remove two 21mm bolts using a socket wrench.
  • Swing the caliper off to the side and secure atop a plastic pail's underside or cable tie it to the strut.
  • Remove the caliper by lifting it straight off toward you.
  • audi a4 b7 b8 hub wheel bearing replace remove press DIY how to
    Figure 3. Remove caliper carrier bolts and remove caliper assembly.
  • audi a4 b7 b8 hub wheel bearing replace remove press DIY how to
    Figure 4. Remove rotor set screw and pull rotor off hub.

Pro Tip

You'll want to avoid removing or kinking the brake line connected to the caliper or else you will have to service the brakes as well. If the rotor is stuck in place, use a dead blow or mallet and tap the back side of the rotor in a circular motion to coerce it.

Step 4 – Remove wheel bearing bolts

The bearing assembly is held in by four bolts.

  • Use a spanner wrench and Torx socket to remove the four bolts on the back of the hub. This may require a swivel joint for access.
  • Once the bolts are out, you'll need to position a chisel in the bolt hole and strike with a hammer.
audi a4 b7 b8 hub wheel bearing replace remove press DIY how to
Figure 5. Wheel bearing and set screws.

Pro Tip

If you don't have a large chisel, use a large, heavy duty flat tip screwdriver and strike with a dead blow several times rotating from hole to hole.

Step 5 – Replace bearings

Once the assembly is out, the bearings can be replaced. New ones will need to be pressed in.

  • Visit a reputable shop to have them press out the old bearings and press new ones in.
  • If using a compressor tool, press old bearings out.
  • Set new races and new bearings in place, then use compressor tool to press into place.
audi a4 b7 b8 hub wheel bearing replace remove press DIY how to
Figure 6. New bearing being pressed in.

With the fresh bearing packed into the hub, all that is left is to reassemble the car.

  • Refit the hub and set screws.
  • Reinstall the rotor and its set screw.
  • Slide the caliper over the rotor and refit the caliper carrier bolts on the backside of the hub.
  • Bolt the wheels back on and drop the car down, then torque lug nuts to 90 ft/lbs.

Pro Tip

While you might save a few bucks in labor, it can turn out more cost effective to get both bearing assemblies over to a reputable shop and have the work done professionally. If you scratch or crack the hubs while doing it yourself, you will need to replace them completely. Grinding them is an alternative option, but again, could cost you more in the long run.

Featured Video: Audi A4 B7 Front Wheel Bearing Tutorial

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