Replacing the front wheel hub on VW Polo 3

First of all, place the new hub in your freezer.

Unscrew the universal joint nut with a 32-point socket.

A 12-point socket is essential!

Securing the vehicle: removing and refitting the wheel

Brake disc

Piston side pad

Insert a flathead screwdriver between the disc and the piston side pad and lever to push the piston back.

Once the piston is pushed back, check the brake fluid level which should be between ...

… the little one ….

…. and the maxi.

If the level exceeds the maximum, remove it with a syringe.

Using a 6mm Allen key, remove the 2 screws.

The 2 screws that hold the caliper are not the same length so remember to note their position.

Top screw

Bottom screw

Pull the top of the stirrup outward and then upward.

The undersides of the pads are different so remember to mark the location of each pad before disassembly and then remove them.

Using a clamp and a wooden wedge that you will position on the piston, push it back all the way.

It is possible to push the piston back completely from step 2 with the screwdriver.

The piston is not screwed in so you won't need a piston pusher, a clamp will do the trick.

Place the caliper on the shock absorber.

Make sure the brake hose is not stretched.

The disc is held in place by a screw that can be removed using a Phillips PH3 screwdriver.

Remove the disc.

New parts

Old coins

Disconnect the connector

Using a 5mm BTR key, unscrew the screw then remove the sensor.

Using an 18mm wrench, loosen the shock absorber leg nuts.

Using a 16mm wrench, loosen the suspension ball joint nut.

Using a 6mm Allen key and a 16mm open-end wrench, remove the steering rod from the knuckle.

Remove the 2 shock absorber bolts.

Using a 16mm wrench, remove the nut from the suspension ball joint.

Disconnect the spindle from the shock strut.

Remove the universal joint from the hub and then remove the hub from the suspension ball joint.

Using a 10mm wrench remove the 3 screws.

Make sure the assembly is aligned with the press shaft so that the hub comes out straight.

Make sure the shims are on the hub shaft and not the bearing.

Remove the circlip to be able to extract the bearing.

Using larger shims remove the bearing.

Using absorbent paper, clean the bearing surface.

Old coins

New parts

The new bearing comes with grease, the universal joint nut and 2 circlips.

You will only need a circlip.

Position the spindle in the opposite direction to that in which it was when the bearing was removed.

Coat the bearing surface with grease.

Present the new bearing.

Place a shim on top.

Make sure the bearing is positioned correctly so that it can fit straight into the spindle, then use the press to push it into its housing.

Push the bearing in until it stops.

Place the circlip in its location to lock the bearing in the spindle.

Outside side

Interior side

Take your hub out of the freezer and present it on the rocket.

Place a shim on top.

Make sure the hub is positioned correctly so that it can fit straight into the bearing, then use the press to push it into its housing.

Push the hub in until it stops.

Replace the disc protection plate on the spindle and then the assembly on the vehicle by reassembling the 2 shock absorber leg bolts, the suspension ball joint nut, the universal joint nut and the steering rod.

Coat the hub bearing with copper grease.

Using a wire brush, clean the pad guides.

Then spray some anti-noise to prevent whistling when braking.

Spray brake cleaner on the caliper to remove most of the dust.

Then clean it with a wire brush.

Spray anti-noise on all contact surfaces.

Do not spray on friction surfaces.

Spray brake cleaner on both sides of the disc.

Reposition the disc and secure it with the small screw supplied with the new disc.

Reposition the pads in the caliper by putting them in the correct places then secure the caliper with the 2 screws.

This is the noise canceller that I use and which is particularly effective.

Once reassembly is complete, press the brake pedal several times to bring the pads into contact with the discs.

Check the brake fluid level in the reservoir.

To break in new pads, do not brake hard during the first 200 km.

The effectiveness of the first braking actions may be reduced.