GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 2001 🢒 Chevy C Cab/Chassis HD (GMT 400) 🢒 Suspension 🢒 Tires and Wheels 🢒 Front Wheel Hub, Bearing, and Seal Replacement

Removal Procedure

    Object Number: 687520 Size: SH
  1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Remove the tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.

    3. Notice: Support the caliper with a piece of wire to prevent damage to the brake line.

  3. Remove the brake caliper. Refer to Front Brake Caliper Replacement in Disc Brakes.
  4. Remove the retainer/cap.
  5. Remove the cotter pin, the nut, and the washer.
  6. Remove the wheel hub/rotor.
    7. • Pull the hub/rotor free from the spindle.
    • Do not damage the steering knuckle spindle threads.
  7. Remove the inner wheel bearing. Pry out the seal.
  8. Remove the races. Using a brass drift, drive out each race.
  9. Clean any grease from the hub/rotor and the steering knuckle spindle. Clean any grease from inside the hub.

    10. Notice: Do not spin the wheel bearings with compressed air to dry them-the wheel bearings may be damaged.

  10. Using cleaning solvents, clean any grease from the wheel bearings and the races.
  11. Inspect the wheel bearings and the races for damage or wear.
    12. • Refer to Wheel Bearings Diagnosis in Suspension General Diagnosis.
    • If the bearing or the race is damaged, replace the damaged component.
  12. Inspect the hub/rotor for damage or wear.
    13. • Check for out of round or scored conditions.
    • Check for pitting or cracks.
    • If necessary, repair or replace the hub/rotor.

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 687520 Size: SH

    Notice: Start the races squarely inside the hub/rotor to avoid distortion and possible cracking.

  1. Install the races into the hub/rotor.
  2. Use a press to install the outer bearing race into position.

    3. Make sure the bearing race is seated fully.

  3. Install the inner bearing race into position.

    4. Make sure the bearing race is seated fully.

    Important: 

       • Use an approved, high-temperature front wheel bearing grease in order to lubricate the bearings. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations in Maintenance and Lubrication.
       • Do not mix different greases because mixing may change the grease properties, resulting in poor performance.

  4. Apply a thin film of grease to the steering knuckle spindle at the outer wheel bearing seat and at the inner wheel bearing seat, the shoulder, and the seal seat.
  5. Apply a small amount of grease inboard of each wheel bearing retainer/cap.

    6. Notice: Failure to completely pack the wheel bearing (cones, rollers, and cage) with grease will result in premature wheel bearing damage and/or wear.

  6. Fill each wheel bearing ,cone and roller assembly full of grease.
    7. • Use a cone-type grease machine that forces grease into the bearing.
    • If a cone-type grease machine is not available, pack the wheel bearing by hand. When packing the wheel bearing by hand, work the grease into the bearings between the rollers, the cones, and the cage.
  7. Install the inner wheel bearing into the hub/rotor. Put an additional quantity of grease outboard of this bearing.
  8. Install the new seal.
    9. 8.1. Using a seal installer or a block, install the seal in order to ensure that the seal is flush with the hub/rotor flange.
    8.2. Lubricate the seal lip with a thin layer of grease.
  9. Install the hub/rotor. Do not damage the steering knuckle spindle threads.
  10. Install the outer wheel bearing. Slide the bearing over the spindle until the wheel bearing fully seats against the hub/rotor outer race.

    11. Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

  11. Install the washer, the nut, and the cotter pin. Do not place the cotter pin through the hole in the spindle until the wheel bearings are adjusted.

    12. Tighten
    Tighten the nut to 16 N·m (12 lb ft), while turning the hub/rotor assembly by hand.

    11.1. Apply an additional amount of grease outboard of the wheel bearing.
    11.2. Adjust the wheel bearings. Refer to Wheel Bearing Adjustment .
  12. Install the cotter pin.
  13. Install the retainer/cap in place.
  14. Install the brake caliper. Refer to Front Brake Caliper Replacement in Disc Brakes.
  15. Install the tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  16. Lower the vehicle.