Wheel Hub: Service and Repair
FRONT HUB/BEARINGFig. 3 Checking Dimension ``A'' To Assure Proper Installation Of Hub:
Fig. 4 Removing Steering Knuckle:
When checking wheel bearings, raise and support front of vehicle, then rotate wheel and tire assembly to check bearing for smoothness of rotation and noise. Also check wheel bearing endplay with a dial indicator. Wheel bearing endplay should not exceed .016 inch.
REMOVAL
1. Raise and support vehicle, then remove front wheel and tire assembly.
2. Unstake, then remove hub retaining nut.
3. Remove caliper bolts, then caliper with brake line attached. Suspend caliper from chassis with wire.
4. Refer to Fig. 3, and measure dimension A for assembly reference. Pull hub out of knuckle.
5. Disconnect tie rod end from knuckle with Tie Rod End Remover tool No. J-21687-02, or equivalent.
6. Remove strut to knuckle bolts and then ball joint stud pinch bolt, Fig. 4.
7. Remove knuckle.
8. Using a drift, remove outer, then inner bearing from knuckle.
Fig. 5 Steering Knuckle Hub Bearings & Seal:
Fig. 6 Installing Spacer On Wheel Hub:
INSTALLATION
1. Apply suitable grease to balls and oil seal lips of wheel bearings. Fill area A, Fig. 5, to approximately 40 percent of capacity with suitable grease.
2. Install wheel bearings using Bearing Installer tool No. J-34856, or equivalent. Install wheel bearings with sealed side facing outward. Also ensure spacer is spacer is snug and centered between inner and outer bearings.
3. Install wheel bearing seal (5), Fig. 5, using Seal Installer tool No. J-34881, or equivalent.
4. Install spacer on hub with bevel side first, Fig. 6.
5. Check that wheel bearing spacer bore is aligned with bearing bores. If not, move spacer until aligned.
6. Using plastic hammer, tap hub lightly into knuckle, taking care that alignment is maintained.
7. Using Wheel Hub Installer tool No. J-34856 and Handle tool No. J-7079-2, or equivalents, drive hub until dimension A, noted in step 4, is obtained.
8. Install brake caliper.
9. Tighten caliper bolts to specifications.
10. Tighten driveshaft castle nut to specifications
11. Stake nut in position.
12. Install wheel and tire assembly, then lower vehicle.