Caution: When servicing brake parts, do not create dust by grinding or sanding brake pads, by cleaning brake parts with a dry brush or with compressed air. Many earlier models or aftermarket brake parts may contain asbestos fibers which can become airborne if dust is created during servicing. Breathing dust containing asbestos fibers may cause serious bodily harm. A water dampened cloth or water based solution should be used to remove any dust on brake parts. Equipment is commercially available to perform this washing function. These methods will prevent fibers from becoming airborne.





Important: Ensure that the vehicle rear wheel on the service side is off of the floor.

1. Block the front wheels.
2. Raise the rear axle and place the supports under the frame rails. Ensure that the vehicle rear wheels are off the floor.
3. Release the parking brake.
4. Remove the rear tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Wheel Removal in Tires and Wheels.
5. Remove the rear axle shaft. Refer to Axle Shaft Replacement .
6. Remove the brake caliper. Refer to Brake Caliper Replacement in Disc Brakes.
7. Remove the following components from the rear wheel bearing:

•	The outer nut

•	The nut lock

•	The rear bearing inner nut

8. Remove the rear hub hub/rotor assembly
9. Remove the brake rotor from the hub assembly. Refer to Brake Rotor Replacement in Disc Brakes.
10. Remove the rear wheel bearing outer cone assembly
11. Remove the following components:

•	The rear wheel bearing seal

•	The rear wheel bearing inner cone assembly

Notice: When cleaning wheel bearing components, use only clean mineral spirits. Do not spin-dry the bearing. Bearing components may be damaged if cleaned with the wrong solvent and/or dried by spinning the bearing.

12. Clean the rear wheel bearing cones and the rear hub using clean mineral spirits.
13. Clean the rear brake rotor and the rear axle housing spindle. Use brake parts cleaner GM P/N 12345754 or equivalent.
14. Inspect the rear wheel hub. Replace the hub, if damaged.
15. Inspect the rear wheel stud for looseness and damaged threads.
16. Inspect the rear wheel bearing for the following conditions: Refer to Rear Axle Wheel Bearing Wear .

•

Wear

•	Chipped edges

•	Flat spots

17. Inspect the rear wheel bearing cups for cracks and pits.
18. Inspect the rear axle spindle for damage.
19. Inspect the rear axle (shaft) flange studs for damaged threads and bends.
20. Inspect the rear brake rotor for scoring.

Tools Required

1. Install synthetic lubricant in the following locations:

•	The bearings

•	The rear axle housing tube

•	The inside of the wheel hub

•	The rear wheel hub bearing seal lip

•	The rear axle spindle seal lip contact surface

•	The rear wheel hub bearing inner cone assembly

Important: When installing the new rear wheel bearing inner cone, always replace the rear wheel bearing inner cup.

2. Install the rear wheel bearing inner cone.




Notice: Do not continue to hammer after rear wheel hub bearing seal is fully seated. This may cause damage to the rear wheel hub bearing seal.

3. Apply silicone sealer (RTV), or equivalent, to the OD of the rear wheel bearing seal. The silicone sealer will overcome minor faults in the rear wheel bearing seal bore.
4. Install the rear wheel bearing seal. Perform the following steps:

4.1.	Ensure that the rear wheel hub bearing seal lip faces inward.

4.2.	Use the J 41107 and the J 8092 .

4.3.	Hold the tool handle vertical. Strike a sharp blow with the hammer in order to start the rear wheel hub bearing seal into the rear wheel hub bore.

4.4.	Tap the rear wheel hub bearing seal down into place.

5. Install the brake rotor to the hub assembly. Refer to Brake Rotor Replacement in Disc Brakes.
6. Install the rear hub and rotor assembly. Do not damage the rear wheel bearing seal.

Important: When installing a new rear wheel bearing outer cone, always replace the rear wheel bearing outer cup.

7. Install the rear wheel bearing outer cone. Push the cone firmly into place.



8. Install the following rear wheel bearing components:

•	The rear bearing inner nut

•	The nut lock

•	The outer nut

9. Install the brake caliper. Refer to Brake Caliper Replacement in Disc Brakes.
10. Install the rear tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Wheel Removal in Tires and Wheels.
11. Adjust the rear wheel bearings. Refer to Wheel Bearing Adjustment .
12. Install the rear axle shaft. Refer to Axle Shaft Replacement .