How to Replace the Wheel Bearing on a Fiat Panda

This Panda has been involved in an accident on the front left tyre. After replacing the track rod end, steering box, and suspension arm, during the alignment, it was noticed that the track rod end attachment on the strut is bent.

It is therefore necessary to replace the entire strut and, consequently, the hub bearing (because when the strut is removed, the bearing breaks and cannot be reinstalled). Replacing the bearing requires the use of a hydraulic press and specific tools (sockets, countersinks).

It is not a simple DIY operation for those without experience. Additionally, the presence of ABS makes it essential to respect the mounting direction of the bearing (magnetic ring towards the gearbox).

To remove the old bearing, you must remove the circlip inside the hub, place the hub under the press, and press the centre of the hub to extract the bearing. The bearing will come out from the opposite side; the outer part of the bearing remains attached to the hub. To remove it, the YouTuber uses a makeshift method: cuts the excess part with a grinder (rotary tool) and then splits it with a hammer blow to slide it off. Then clean the hub with sandpaper and grease the surfaces to facilitate the insertion of the new bearing.

The new bearing is equipped with a magnetic ring for the ABS sensor. This ring has a specific direction and must be positioned towards the gearbox (inner side).

If mounted the other way round, the ABS will not function. We will use the old bearing as a "pusher" to press the new bearing in. This avoids crushing the magnetic ring (which is delicate), then press the new bearing into the hub, applying counter pressure on the opposite side, otherwise, the bearing will slip out and must be discarded.

After pressing, reassemble the circlip (retaining ring) in its place. Then reassemble the entire assembly onto the vehicle (strut, arm, track rod end, etc.).