Front wheel bearing replacement

[ianf]

Hello

I have our 2009 CX-9 apart for a wheel bearing replacement. Everything is apart but I cannot pop the lower ball joint out of the knuckle. If I cannot remove the knuckle, I will have to attempt the bearing R&R with the knuckle mounted instead of taking it to a shop with a press. I have the Harbor Freight version of the OTC Hub Tamer that I would use and new Timken bearings.

Is there a DIY writeup online that outlines this procedure?

If anyone could post the torque specs for the lower pinch bolt, halfshaft nut, caliper bracket bolts and strut to knuckle bolts I would appreciate it.

Thank you!
Ian

2009 CX-9 GT

 

[cpb406]

Ian,

Not sure about removing the Knuckle from the Lower Ball Joint. I am sure you have tried all the methods commonly available like: ball joint separators, tapping on the knuckle, a little heat, etc. Let us know how you make out. The torque specs for a 2012 are (all Ft-Lbs):

Lower Pinch Bolt: 31.8-43.3
Halfshaft Nut: 173.5-202.3
Caliper Bracket Bolts: 79.51-93.96
Strut to Knuckle Bolts: 120.3-143.0

Regards, Charles

 

[ianf]

Charles,

Thanks! I just got the car back together.

I removed the hub with a slide hammer but could not move the bearing with the Harbor Freight tool. I don't think that this indicates a deficiency with the HF tool; just that the bearing was really stuck in there. I finally managed to get the knuckle off and had the new bearing pressed late yesterday. I only did the driver's side for now. However, the humming sound that I heard before is now gone.

Thanks for posting the torque specs too. I got most of them from the Mazda dealership yesterday but it's reassuring to see your numbers match what they gave me.

Thanks again,
Ian

 

[Virgilijus]

This is not proffesional but it is the easiest way to pop out lower ballt joint from the knuckle. Push lower arm with pinch-bar down and at the same time hit the knuckle some times with hammer. I am sure you succeed at it. Be careful not to damage rubber boot.