How To Diagnose & Replace Your 2009 Chevy Malibu Wheel Bearing Like A Pro

Are you experiencing a grinding noise coming from your 2009 Chevy Malibu? If so, you may need to replace the wheel bearing. This is a relatively common problem on this vehicle, and it's important to address it as soon as possible to avoid further damage.

Here are some tips on how to diagnose and replace the wheel bearing on your 2009 Chevy Malibu:

Diagnosis

The most common symptom of a bad wheel bearing is a grinding noise that increases with speed. You may also feel a vibration in the steering wheel or floorboard.

To diagnose the problem, you can jack up the car and spin the wheel by hand. If you hear a grinding noise, it's likely that the wheel bearing is bad.

Replacement

Replacing the wheel bearing on a 2009 Chevy Malibu is a relatively straightforward process, but it does require some special tools. Here are the steps involved:

Remove the lug nuts and tire.

Remove the brake caliper and rotor.

Remove the axle nut.

Remove the wheel bearing.

Install the new wheel bearing.

Reinstall the axle nut.

Reinstall the brake caliper and rotor.

Reinstall the tire and lug nuts.

Here are some additional tips for replacing the wheel bearing on your 2009 Chevy Malibu:

Use a torque wrench to tighten the axle nut to the proper specifications.

Replace the wheel bearing on both sides of the axle if one is bad.

Get a wheel alignment after replacing the wheel bearing.

Costs

The cost of replacing the wheel bearing on a 2009 Chevy Malibu will vary depending on the labor rate in your area. However, you can expect to pay between $200 and $400 for the parts and labor.

Success Stories

Here are some success stories from people who have replaced the wheel bearing on their 2009 Chevy Malibu:**

"I was hearing a grinding noise from my front wheel, and I was worried that it was going to be a major repair. But I was able to replace the wheel bearing myself in a few hours, and it cost me less than $200." - John Doe

"I had my wheel bearing replaced at a local mechanic, and it cost me $300. But the noise is gone, and my car is driving smoothly again." - Jane Doe

"I'm a mechanic, and I've replaced the wheel bearing on my 2009 Chevy Malibu several times. It's a relatively easy repair, and it's not too expensive." - Joe Smith

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about replacing the wheel bearing on a 2009 Chevy Malibu:**

Q: How long does it take to replace the wheel bearing on a 2009 Chevy Malibu?
- A: It takes about 2-3 hours to replace the wheel bearing on a 2009 Chevy Malibu.

Q: How much does it cost to replace the wheel bearing on a 2009 Chevy Malibu?
- A: The cost to replace the wheel bearing on a 2009 Chevy Malibu is between $200 and $400.

Q: Can I replace the wheel bearing on a 2009 Chevy Malibu myself?
- A: Yes, it is possible to replace the wheel bearing on a 2009 Chevy Malibu yourself. However, it is important to have some mechanical experience and the proper tools.

Tables

Table 1: Symptoms of a bad wheel bearing

Symptom	Cause
Grinding noise	Worn wheel bearing
Vibration in the steering wheel or floorboard	Worn wheel bearing
Difficulty turning	Worn wheel bearing
Increased tire wear	Worn wheel bearing

Table 2: Tools needed to replace a wheel bearing

Tool	Purpose
Jack and jack stands	To raise the car and support it
Lug wrench	To remove the lug nuts
Socket wrench	To remove the axle nut
Slide hammer	To remove the wheel bearing
New wheel bearing	To replace the old wheel bearing

How To Diagnose & Replace Your 2009 Chevy Malibu Wheel Bearing Like A Pro