A Guide to Wheel Bearings for the 1995-2002 Chrysler Neon
Hearing a humming or grinding from your wheels? This guide covers the common causes and solutions for your Neon.
- The front wheel bearing is a press-in style and requires a professional with a shop press for replacement.
- The rear wheel bearing is a DIY-friendly bolt-on hub assembly.
- A humming or grinding noise that changes when you turn is the primary symptom of a bad bearing.
- Premium brands like SKF and Timken are recommended for the best longevity and performance.
Is Your Neon Making a Strange Noise?
The most common sign of a failing wheel bearing is a noise coming from the wheel area. This often starts as a faint hum and develops into a louder grinding, roaring, or rumbling sound that gets worse with speed. You might also notice the noise changes when you turn. 🎬 Watch this guide to 100% diagnose a bad wheel bearing. For example, if you turn right and the noise gets louder, the bad bearing is likely on the left side, which is bearing more of the car's weight.
Front vs. Rear Wheel Bearings: A Critical Difference
On a 1995-2002 Neon, the front and rear wheel bearings are very different jobs.
- Front Bearings: These are individual bearings that are pressed directly into the steering knuckle. Replacing them requires removing the entire knuckle from the car and using a hydraulic shop press to force the old bearing out and a new one in. This is not a typical DIY job and should be handled by a professional mechanic. 🎬 See this in-depth walkthrough of a front wheel bearing replacement.
- Rear Bearings: The rear uses a complete wheel hub assembly. This is a much simpler design where the bearing is already contained within the hub. Replacement involves unbolting the old hub from the spindle with a large axle nut and bolting the new one on, making it a feasible job for a DIY mechanic 🎬 Watch: How to replace rear hub bearing assemblies yourself. with the right tools.
Ordering the Correct Part
Because the front and rear are different, you must order the correct part. The front is a press-in bearing only. The rear is a complete bolt-on hub assembly. There is no bolt-on front hub assembly for the 1995-2002 Neon.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Bearing
For an older vehicle like the Neon, aftermarket parts offer the best value. Original OEM parts are likely discontinued and hard to find. Aftermarket brands can be grouped into quality tiers:
- Premium Brands (SKF, Timken, National): These brands are widely considered the gold standard for bearings. They use high-quality steel and seals, offering the best durability and longest service life, making them a smart investment if you plan to keep your Neon on the road for a long time.
- Mid-Grade Brands (Mevotech, Centric): These brands provide a good balance of quality and price for a daily driver. Mevotech's TTX line is often noted for good corrosion-resistant coatings. Some users report success, while others have experienced shorter lifespans, making them a solid but not top-tier choice.
- Specialist Brands (Crown Automotive): Crown specializes in parts for Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep vehicles. They are a reliable choice for getting a part that closely matches original specifications and quality.
- Economy Brands (TrueDrive, WJB): These are budget-friendly options that can get your car back on the road. However, they may not have the same longevity as premium or mid-grade brands and are best suited for a vehicle with limited remaining life.
| Part | Cost |
|---|---|
| New Aftermarket Wheel Bearing/Hub | $26.90 - $82.09 |
| Shop Labor (Front - Press-in) | $200 - $350 per side |
| Shop Labor (Rear - Bolt-on) | $100 - $180 per side |
Labor costs are estimates and can vary by location. The front bearing replacement is more expensive due to the need for a shop press.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Should I replace wheel bearings in pairs?
It is highly recommended. If one bearing has failed due to mileage, the other bearing on the same axle has experienced the same amount of wear and is likely to fail soon. Replacing them in pairs saves you from doing the same job twice.
Can I replace a Neon front wheel bearing myself?
It is not recommended unless you have access to a hydraulic shop press and experience using it. The bearing must be pressed out of and into the steering knuckle. The rear hub assemblies, however, are a straightforward DIY job for someone with mechanical experience.
What tools are needed for the rear hub assembly?
You will need a jack and jack stands, a breaker bar, a 32mm socket for the large axle nut, and basic hand tools. You may also need a flathead screwdriver to back off the brake drum adjuster.
Will a bad wheel bearing turn on my ABS light?
Yes, it can. A worn and wobbly bearing can damage the ABS sensor or its tone ring, which disrupts the wheel speed signal and triggers the ABS warning light on your dashboard.
Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 4773420 4670423 J8133730
Front: Press-in Bearing. Rear: Bolt-on Hub Assembly with integrated bearing.
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The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
- Chrysler Neon: