GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Wheel Bearing Adjustment 11 Inch Axle

Preliminary Inspection

Important: Ensure that the brakes are fully released and do not drag.

Pull or push the tire at the top back and forth in order to test the wheel bearing play.

    • Use a pry bar under the tire as an alternative.
    • If the wheel bearing adjustment is correct, the movement will be barely noticeable.
    • If the movement is excessive, adjust the bearings.

Adjustment Procedure

Tools Required

J 2222-C Wheel Bearing Nut Wrench

  1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Remove the axle shaft. Refer to Rear Axle Shaft and/or Gasket Replacement .
  3. Disengage the lock tab from the outer wheel bearing adjuster nut.

  4. Object Number: 685938  Size: SH
  5. Remove the outer wheel bearing adjuster nut using the J 2222-C .

  6. Object Number: 762335  Size: SH
  7. Remove the wheel bearing adjuster nut lock.

  8. Object Number: 685938  Size: SH

    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.

  9. Tighten the inner wheel bearing adjuster nut using the J 2222-C .
  10. Tighten
    Tighten the inner wheel bearing adjuster nut to 68 N·m (50 lb ft) while rotating the wheel hub assembly.

  11. Make sure the bearing cones are seated and are in contact with the spindle shoulder.
  12. Loosen the inner wheel bearing adjuster nut and retighten the adjuster nut using the J 2222-C .
  13. Tighten
    Tighten the inner wheel bearing adjuster nut to 47 N·m (35 lb ft) while rotating the wheel hub assembly.

  14. Loosen the inner wheel bearing adjuster nut 135-150 degrees by turning the nut counterclockwise using the J 2222-C .
  15. Install the new wheel bearing adjuster nut lock as follows:

  16. Object Number: 762371  Size: SH
    10.1. Bend the outer tab on the wheel bearing adjuster nut lock as shown.
    10.2. Install the wheel bearing adjuster nut lock onto the axle shaft aligning the inner tab with the slot on the axle shaft.
    10.3. If the outer tab on the wheel bearing adjuster nut lock does not engage one of the slots on the inner wheel bearing adjuster nut, remove the wheel bearing adjuster nut lock and turn the outer wheel bearing adjuster nut counterclockwise using the J 2222-C until the slot on the inner wheel bearing adjuster nut is aligned with the outer tab on the wheel bearing adjuster nut lock.
    10.4. Re-install the wheel bearing adjuster nut lock.

    Object Number: 762334  Size: SH
  17. Install the outer wheel bearing adjuster nut using the J 2222-C .
  18. 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.

  19. Tighten the outer wheel bearing adjuster nut.
  20. Tighten
    Tighten the outer wheel bearing adjuster nut to 88 N·m (65 lb ft).

  21. Bend the tab of the wheel bearing adjuster nut lock that aligns with the slot on the outer wheel bearing adjuster nut.
  22. Specification
    Bend on of the tab of the wheel bearing adjuster nut lock over the outer wheel bearing adjuster nut to a minimum of 60 degrees.

  23. The final bearing adjustment should be 0.025-0.25 mm (0.001-0.010 in).
  24. Install the axle shaft. Refer to Rear Axle Shaft and/or Gasket Replacement .
  25. Install the tire and the wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  26. Lower the vehicle.