2002 echo front wheel bearing

[FiveSpeed]

I have to replace the front wheel bearing on my 2002 echo. I have to buy the right size socket to take off the axle nut. What size and type of socket do I need for this? Will a 1/2 inch drive 12 point work and if so, what mm would it be? Thanks.

[denman]

Originally Posted by FiveSpeed

I have to replace the front wheel bearing on my 2002 echo. I have to buy the right size socket to take off the axle nut. What size and type of socket do I need for this? Will a 1/2 inch drive 12 point work and if so, what mm would it be? Thanks.

This is really old but doesn't appear to have been answered: my 2000 Echo takes a 12pt 30mm socket on the axle nut. It'll take over 200 lb-ft torque to loosen so do it before you raise the car, wheel still on the ground, E-brake on, jack in place ready to lift. The main trick is to push out the old bearings and press in the new ones without damage. I did it with about $350 worth of new press (a 3-ton arbor press) and bearing separators, but I would recommend most to take the steering knuckle to a garage or machine shop. You still save a bundle by doing the on-car work and getting the knuckle done over-the-counter,

[2005RS]

thanks for posting that. I got one bearing done last year and it was a pricey job at the garage. The other one is just starting to hum now

[the_unliked]

I'm looking into removing the axle nut to get to the drive shafts, tranny, etc...

Are these nuts truly non-reusable parts? Is there a trick to be able to re-use these, or do you know how much new ones would be?

[denman]

Originally Posted by the_unliked

I'm looking into removing the axle nut to get to the drive shafts, tranny, etc...

Are these nuts truly non-reusable parts? Is there a trick to be able to re-use these, or do you know how much new ones would be?

I reused mine; the nut has a sleeve extension that is notched (staked) with a chisel into a large groove in the axle after the nut is torqued. I carefully "unstaked" mine with a small round punch driven along the bottom of the axle groove to lift up the notch in the axle nut without distorting it. Then when reinstalling I simply torqued the nut and staked it like new. A garage wouldn't dare do that, but on my own car and many decades of wrenching experience, often on short funds or parts not available, I reuse where possible. Your mileage may vary, ...