Wheel Bearing Replace - Front

FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS AND/OR HUB

Fig. 2 Front hub & wheel bearing assembly:

Fig. 3 Front hub & bearing assembly removal:

REMOVAL
1. Loosen hub nut with vehicle on ground.
2. Raise and support vehicle, then remove front wheel.
3. Install drive axle protective boot cover J-28712.
4. Remove hub nut.
5. Remove brake caliper from support and suspend caliper from flame with a length of wire. Do not suspend caliper by brake hose.
6. Remove three hub and bearing attaching bolts. If the old bearing is being reinstalled, mark attaching bolts and corresponding holes for reinstallation, Fig. 2.
7. Using tool J-28733 or equivalent, remove bearing from steering knuckle, Fig. 3. If excessive corrosion is present, ensure that bearing is loose in the knuckle before using puller tool.
8. If installing new bearing, replace steering knuckle seal. Do not move drive axle until hub nut is installed and torqued to specifications.

Fig. 4 Hub nut installation:

INSTALLATION
1. Clean and inspect bearing mating surfaces and steering knuckle bore for dirt, nicks and burrs.
2. If installing new steering knuckle seal, apply grease to seal and knuckle bore, then press seal into steering knuckle.
3. Push bearing onto axle shaft and install two hub to steering knuckle attaching bolts. Install a longer bolt into third mounting hole and through hub cutout. Install hub to axle retaining nut and torque to 70 lb ft, Fig. 4.
4. Remove long bolt and replace with original bolt. Torque hub to steering knuckle attaching bolts to 63 lb ft on 1982---83 models, or 40 lb ft on 1984---88 models.
5. Install brake caliper and wheel assembly.
6. Lower vehicle and torque hub to axle nut to 185 lb ft