Wheel Hub: Service and Repair
FRONT HUB/BEARING
Remove or Disconnect
^ Tool Required:
J 29117-A Wheel Bearing Cup Remover
Raise the vehicle and support it with safety stands.
1. Brake caliper. Refer to Brakes and Traction Control.
Important: Support the caliper with a piece of wire to prevent damage to the brake hose.
2. Cap from the rotor.
3. Cotter pin, nut, and washer.
4. Rotor from the spindle.
- Be careful not to damage the outer bearing and spindle threads.
5. Outer bearing.
6. Seal.
- Pry the seal out and discard.
7. Inner bearing. Using J 29117-A to remove the inner race.
Clean
- All parts in a solvent and air dry. Do not spin the bearings with compressed air.
- Make sure all parts are clean and free of grease.
Inspect
- Rotor. Refer to Brakes and Traction Control.
- Bearings and races for a cracked cage, worn or pitted rollers, cracks, scores, or a brinelled condition. Refer to "Diagnosis of Wheel Bearings." Replace parts as necessary.
Install or Connect
Important: Apply an approved high-temperature front wheel bearing grease GM P/N 1051344 or equivalent to the spindle at the inner and outer bearing seat, shoulder, and seal seat. Also finger apply a small amount of grease inboard of each bearing cup in the rotor. Pressure pack the bearings with a greasing machine or hand pack them, making sure the grease is worked thoroughly into the rollers, cone, and cage.
1. Inner bearing to the rotor.
- Apply an additional quantity of grease outboard of the inner bearing.
2. Seal.
a. Lubricate the seal lip.
b. Use a flat plate to press the seal down flush with the hub.
c. Seat the outer bearing and cup.
3. Rotor to the spindle.
- Be careful not to scuff the spindle threads.
4. Outer bearing to the rotor.
5. Washer.
6. Nut.
- Tighten nut to 16 Nm (12 lb ft) while turning the wheel assembly forward by hand. Apply grease to the outboard side of the outer bearing.
Important: Adjust the wheel bearings: Refer to "Wheel Bearing Adjustment."
7. Brake caliper. Refer to Brakes and Traction Control.
8. Lower the vehicle.