2003 Kia Sorento front wheel bearings

The front wheel bearings are not adjustable. Replace the hub/bearing assembly if there are any signs of excessive wear and/or damage.

The wheel bearings on these vehicles are not adjustable. To check if the bearing requires service, remove the wheel and tire assembly, brake caliper and disc brake rotor. Install a dial indicator with the indicator foot resting on the wheel hub. Try to move the hub in and out. If there is more than 0.002 in. (0.05mm) bearing play, check the wheel hub nut torque or replace the hub and bearing assembly.

The front wheel bearings are not adjustable. Replace the hub/bearing assembly if there are any signs of excessive wear and/or damage.

Removal & Installation

NOTE
The front wheel bearings are serviced with the steering knuckle as an assembly.

Before servicing the vehicle, refer to the precautions at the beginning of this section.
Remove the front wheel.
Remove the brake caliper and rotor.
Remove the wheel speed sensor harness.
Remove the hub nut.
Separate the knuckle from the upper control arm.
Remove the tie rod end cotter pin and separate the knuckle from the tie rod end.
Remove the ball joint cotter pin, then separate the knuckle from the lower ball joint.
Remove the steering knuckle.
Using a screwdriver, pry out oil seal from knuckle (4WD).
Press the wheel hub from the knuckle (4WD).
Press the knuckle and then remove wheel hub (2WD).

To install:

Install the dust cover to the knuckle and tighten the bolts to 12-16 ft. Lbs. (16-23 Nm).
Install new oil seal and then install the wheel hub to the knuckle by pressing.
Apply grease to the wheel bearing and seal lip.
Put steering knuckle on the drive shaft end with upper and lower ball joints in mounting holes.
Attach lower arm, tighten lock nut to 116-130 (160-180 Nm), and install cotter pin.
Attach tie rod end to knuckle, tighten nut to 51-57 ft. Lbs. (70-80 Nm), and install cotter pin.
Insert upper arm link lock bolt with spring washer and tighten nut to 32-39 ft. Lbs. (44-55 Nm).
Install the chamfer of plain washer toward the bearing (2WD).
Screw lock nut up against wheel hub assembly and using a lock nut wrench, tighten nut to tightening torque to set bearing preload. Use spring scale to measure:

Bearing preload: 10 inch lbs. Tightening torque: 178-198 ft. Lbs. (245-275 Nm)

Caulk the flange of lock nut on the end of drive shaft.
Install the wheel speed sensor harness.
Install the brake caliper and rotor.
Install the front wheel.
Check the alignment and adjust as necessary.