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Suspension

Wheel Bearing Wear

2004–2014 Suzuki Alto 0.8 L petrol

Replace worn front or rear wheel bearings on a 2009 Suzuki Alto (6th generation) to eliminate grinding, vibration and uneven tyre wear.

Difficulty
Moderate
Time
2h
Parts
2
Sources
5

Before you start

  • Improperly secured vehicle can collapse – always use jack stands on a level surface.
  • Wheel bearings are safety‑critical; incorrect installation can lead to loss of control, wheel lock‑up, or fire.
  • Do not allow dirt, moisture or grease on the bearing race surfaces – contamination will cause premature failure.
  • Torque all fasteners to the specification in the service manual; over‑tightening can crush the bearing, under‑tightening can allow play.
  • After replacement, a professional wheel alignment is required to avoid uneven tyre wear and handling issues.

Steps

  1. Secure the vehicle Park on a flat surface, engage the parking brake, place wheel chocks behind the opposite wheels, and loosen the lug nuts on the wheel to be serviced (do not remove them yet).
  2. Lift and support the vehicle Raise the vehicle with a floor jack at the manufacturer's lift points and place jack stands under the appropriate side‑frame rails. Lower the car onto the stands.
  3. Remove the wheel Fully remove the loosened lug nuts and take the wheel off the hub.
  4. Detach the brake caliper Unbolt the two caliper mounting bolts, swing the caliper away from the rotor, and suspend it with a zip‑tie or hook so the brake hose is not strained.
  5. Remove the brake rotor If the rotor is held by retaining screws, remove them; otherwise pull the rotor straight off the hub. Tap gently with a rubber mallet if it is rust‑stuck.
  6. Remove the hub/axle assembly Unbolt the axle nut (usually 19 mm or 21 mm) and any hub retaining bolts. Carefully pull the hub assembly outward from the steering knuckle or rear axle housing.
  7. Extract the old bearing Using a bearing press (or a hub press kit), press the worn bearing out of the hub bore. If a press is unavailable, a hammer and a suitable bearing puller may be used, but take care not to damage the hub surface.
  8. Inspect and clean the hub Wipe the hub bore with a clean rag and brake cleaner. Inspect for scoring, rust or cracks. Replace the hub if damage is found.
  9. Install the new bearing Apply a thin layer of high‑temperature bearing grease to the bearing seal. Using the press, seat the new bearing fully into the hub bore, ensuring it sits evenly and at the correct depth.
  10. Re‑assemble hub and axle Insert the hub back onto the steering knuckle or rear axle, reinstall the axle nut and any retaining bolts. Torque the axle nut to the specification in the service manual (verify before tightening).
  11. Re‑install rotor and brake caliper Place the rotor onto the hub, reinstall any retaining screws, then mount the brake caliper and torque its mounting bolts to spec.
  12. Mount the wheel Place the wheel on the hub, hand‑tighten the lug nuts, lower the vehicle off the jack stands, and torque the lug nuts to the manufacturer’s specification (usually 80‑100 Nm).
  13. Final checks Spin the wheel by hand to confirm smooth, noise‑free rotation. Pump the brake pedal to seat the caliper pistons. Perform a short test drive at low speed, listening for any grinding or wobble.
  14. Wheel alignment Have the wheel alignment checked and adjusted by a professional to restore proper geometry and prevent uneven tyre wear.

Parts

  • Wheel bearing (front or rear) — OEM wheel bearing for 2009 Suzuki Alto (6th gen) 0.8 L petrol, compatible with front or rear hub as required ×1 per side
  • Wheel bearing grease / seal lubricant — High‑temperature bearing grease, compatible with bearing seal material ×1 tube

Tools

  • Floor jack
  • Jack stands (rated for vehicle weight)
  • Lug wrench or impact socket
  • Torque wrench
  • Socket set (including 19 mm or 21 mm for axle nut)
  • Breaker bar
  • Hammer and soft‑face mallet
  • Bearing press or suitable hub press kit
  • Pry bar
  • Flat‑head screwdriver
  • Pliers
  • Clean rags
  • Brake cleaner

Sources

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