Press-in Front Wheel Bearings From SKF

We’ve covered how to know when your wheel bearings need replacing and how important it is to be aware of the signs of possible bearing failure. If you’re in a situation where your bearings need replacing and you plan on replacing them yourself, it's vital that you have the right tools for the job, as well as replacement parts from a trusted supplier.

Installing front wheel bearings can be particularly tricky, especially if your vehicle has an ABS sensor. With the right tools, tips and parts, however, nothing is impossible. Press-in front wheel bearings from SKF have been designed with a unique feature to make the process a lot easier. They all feature a built-in magnetic impulse wheel on one of the bearing’s two seals.

When installing the bearing, it’s important to remember that the seal with the ABS impulse ring needs to be closest to the ABS sensor, otherwise the ABS system will fail. To identify the correct seal, simply use a metal paperclip to determine which side is magnetic. If the paperclip ‘sticks’ then you’ve found the ABS impulse ring. Always handle the bearing with care when installing it. Even the slightest damage to the impulse ring can prevent the ABS system in your vehicle from functioning correctly.

For a step-by-step installation guide, this “How to” video from SKF is an excellent tutorial on how to remove and replace a generation 1 press-in front wheel bearing with ABS tone ring. Covering all the tools you’ll need, safety procedures, inspection protocols and various tips and tricks, Keith from SKF ensures that by the end of the video, you’ll have no trouble taking on the task yourself.

If you still feel, however, that you need a little more assistance or advice, don’t hesitate to contact the team at Bearing Centre – we’ve got all the expertise as well as world-class parts from our various trusted supply partners. Give us a call today!