Well My wheel bearing is out in the front passenger side.

I'm faced with paying 70$ for a new hub, or 300$ for bearings.

I think im going to buy the hub and install it myself.

Just curious as to any tips from anyone whos done it before.
I found this thread and plan on using it as my guide to remove the hub.

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=787070&highlight=Wheel+Bearings

I also found the proper Torque specs for all the nuts

I did lateral links in the rear after this im pretty confident to do the front hub.

But any tips advice are welcome.

Thanks.

You cannot replace the front hub without destroying the bearings.

Or do you mean you can get a whole Knuckle Assembly?

(argh... things have specific names for a reason.)

The thing that the wheel is fastened to is called a hub. The thing that the strut bolts to is called a spindle. The hub goes into the spindle(inside of the bearing). This is all held together by the axle and axle nut.

If your 70 dollar option is a spindle assembly then that seems like a good deal. Hopefully the bearing in that unit is good. You really should replace the axle nut.

To replace the entire spindle assembly here's what you do(what I do anyway):

Remove negative battery terminal

Chock rear tire

Jack up front end and put both sides on jack stands.

Remove wheel

Unbolt brake caliper(hang from spring with hook or wire) 14mm

Unbolt caliper bracket. 17mm

Remove rotor

Remove cotter pins from tie rod end and lower ball joint castle nuts.(put needle nose through loop and smack the pliers with a hammer)

Remove tie rod end and ball joint castle nuts(both 19mm)

Set a piece of wood on top of the tie rod ball joint and hit the wood with a hammer until the tie rod end falls down. If you Hit that ball joint with a hammer directly it's junk! So don't do that.

Use a long 1/2 inch extension and set it downward onto the lower control arm next to the ball joint and hit the extension with a hammer until you break the ball joint loose. Phisically check it because the sway bar will hold it in place and it wont "look" like it came apart. You can try removing the ball joint from the spindle if you like. I always run into problems with this method.

Unstake axle nut with a small drift or chisel(a screwdriver will do but be careful of breaking the tip).

Remove axle nut. 32mm Impact.

The upper strut bolt is eccentric. You must make alignment marks on the upper bolt head(NOT THE NUT) and the strut. This is to ensure alignment during reassembly. Use paint pen,awl,sharpie,etc...

Remove strut bolts. 19mm with long breaker bar or "strong" impact.

Unbolt the abs sensor and remove it from the spindle. 12mm

Pull spindle out of strut.

Lift up to clear lower ball joint

Remove spindle.

Install is reverse. I don't remember the torque specs for everything so I won't even guess.

If you want to do the bearing yourself and you have a press or know someone/someplace that does then here are the parts you'll need:

2002 wrx front.
28044aa000
Axle nut @4$

28015aa070
outer seal @7$

28015aa080
Inner seal @8$

28016aa011nt
Front bearing @55$

28362ae001
Front hub @95$

Good luck and I hope it goes well for you.

Thanks again guys - Finally got the hub so ill be following your steps tim.

Thanks!