GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 1998 🢒 Chevy P12 Chassis 🢒 Suspension 🢒 Tires and Wheels 🢒 Wheel Bearing Adjustment

Removal Procedure
  1. Block the front wheels.
  2. Raise the rear axle and place the jack stands under the frame rails. Ensure that the vehicle rear wheels are off the floor.
  3. Release the parking brake.
  4. Remove the axle shafts. Refer to Axle Shaft Replacement .

    5. Object Number: 261621 Size: SH
  5. Use a pry bar in order to move the tire assembly up and down. Observe the following:
    6. • If the rear wheel bearings are properly adjusted, the rear wheel bearing end play should be 0.025-0.178 mm (0.001-0.007 in).
    • The movement of the rear wheel hub in relation to the backing plate will be barely noticeable and the rear wheel will turn freely.
    • If the adjustment is within specification, go to steps 4 and 5 of the installation procedure.
    • If the movement is excessive, adjust the rear wheel bearings. Complete all of the following steps.
  6. Remove the following rear wheel bearing components:
    7. • The outer nut
    • The nut lock
  7. Loosen the inner nut.

    8. 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.

    Important: Rotate the rear tire and wheel assembly while tightening the rear wheel bearing inner nut in order to ensure proper seating of the rear wheel bearings.

  8. Rotate the rear tire and wheel assembly.

    9. Tighten
    Tighten the rear wheel bearing inner nut to 68 N·m (50 lb ft).


    Object Number: 199114 Size: SH
  9. Back off the rear wheel bearing inner nut 1/6 to 1/4 turn.

Installation Procedure
  1. Install the nut lock.

    2. 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.

  2. Install the outer nut.

    3. Tighten
    Tighten the outer nut to 169 N·m (125 lb ft).


    Object Number: 199117 Size: SH
  3. Bend one tang of the nut lock over a flat of the outer nut.
  4. Lower the rear axle housing.
  5. Install the rear axle shafts. Refer to Axle Shaft Replacement .