Wheel Hub: Service and Repair
Front Wheel Hub, Bearing, and Seal Replacement (4WD)^ Tools Required
- J B092 Driver Handle
- J 37772 Front Wheel Bearing Race Remover
- J 37763 Front Wheel Bearing Lock But Remover
- J 37781 Rear Axle Shaft and Brake Drum Remover
- J 2619-O1 Slide Hammer
- J 6627-A Tie Rod Puller
- J 37777 Front Wheel Bearing Race Installer
- J 37774 Wheel Hub Oil Seal Installer
Removal Procedure
Important: If you are removing the hub in order to gain access to other components, you may remove the hub, the bearings, and the seals together as a unit.
1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly.
3. Remove the brake rotor.
4. Remove the cap from the spindle.
5. Remove the 6 bolts t1) and the bearing cover (2).
6. Remove the 4 screws (1) and the-seal lock washer retainer (2).
7. Use the J 37763 in order to remove the front wheel bearing lock nut (2).
8. Use the J37781 and the J2619-01 in order to remove the hub (1) with the bearings and the seals.
Important: If you are replacing the hub, the bearings, or the seals, continue with this procedure.
9. Remove the washer and the outer wheel bearings from the hub.
10. If the vehicle has ABS, remove the wheel speed sensor ring from the hub.
11. Remove the bearing seals (1,2) from the hub (3).
12. Remove the bearing snap ring retainer (1) from the hub (2).
13. Remove the inner bearings (1) from the hub (2).
14. Use the following tools in order to remove the bearing race from the hub (1):
- J 8092
- J 37772
^ A hydraulic press
15. Use the J 6627-A in order to remove the 5 wheel bolts from the hub (1).
Installation Procedure
1. Align the serrations in the wheel bolts (2) with the serrations in the bolt holes. Use a hydraulic press (1) in order to install the 5 wheel bolts.
2. If the vehicle has ABS, install the wheel speed sensor ring.
3. Use the J 37777 and a hydraulic press in order to install the bearing race (1) to the hub (2). Press-fit the bearing race until the end of the race contacts the stepped surface of the wheel hub.
4. Apply wheel bearing lubricant, GM P/N 1051344, or the equivalent, to the inner bearings (2).
5. Install the inner bearings (2) to the wheel hub (3).
6. Install the bearing snap ring retainer (1).
Important: Apply lubricant to more than 60 percent of the vacant space of the hollow of the bearing seals.
7. Apply wheel bearing lubricant, GM P/N 1051344, or the equivalent, to the lip portion and to the hollow of the bearing seals.
8. Use the J 37774 in order to install the 2 bearing seals (2) to the hub (1).
9. Apply wheel bearing lubricant, GM P/N 1051344, or the equivalent, to the outer bearings.
10. Install the outer bearings to the hub.
11. Use the J 37781 and the J 2619-01 in order to install the hub (1) with the bearings and the seals to the spindle.
12. Install the bearing washer (3).
Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.
13. Use the J 37763 in order to install the wheel bearing lock nut (2).
^ Tighten the wheel bearing lock nut to 216 Nm (159 ft. lbs.).
14. Install the front wheel inner bearing seal lock washer retainer (2). Verify that the screw holes align.
15. Install the 4 screws (1).
16. Clean the bearing cover sealing surface.
17. Clean the front hub sealing surface.
18. Apply General Motors Sealer, GM P/N 1052366, or the equivalent red RTV sealant, to the wheel bearing cover.
19. Install the wheel bearing cover (2) to the front hub (3).
20. Install the 6 bolts (1).
^ Tighten the bolts to 25 Nm (18 ft. lbs.).
Important: If the cap does not fit or is damaged, install a new cap.
21. Use a plastic hammer in order to install the cap to the spindle. Tap the collar of the cap until the collar contacts the hub.
22. Install the brake rotor.
23. Install the tire and wheel assembly.
24. Lower the vehicle.