GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 1998 🢒 Trans Sport (Export) 🢒 Suspension 🢒 Suspension General Diagnosis 🢒 Wheel Bearings Diagnosis

Wheel Bearings Diagnosis Do Not Use

Table 1: Noise
Table 2: Looseness

Caution: Do not spin the drive wheels faster than 55 km/h (35 mph) as indicated by the speedometer. This limit is necessary because the speedometer indicates only one half of the actual wheel speed when one drive wheel is spinning and the other drive wheel is stopped. Personal injury and damage may result from high speed spinning.

Non-Serviceable hub and bearing are used at the front and rear wheels. If the hub and bearing are determined to be faulty, replacement is required. Refer to tables below for sealed wheel bearing diagnosis.

Noise

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

Road test vehicle to verify complaint.

Is there a noise present?

--

Go to Step 2

--

2
  1. Check the tires for proper pressure.
  2. Check the tires for uneven wear.
  3. Raise vehicle on a hoist and spin the wheels.
  4. Check for the following conditions:
    5. • Check for out of round tires.
    • Check for out of balance tires.
    • Check for bent wheels.
    • Check for loose wheel bearing.
    • Check for rough wheel bearing.

Is bearing noise suspected?

--

Go to Step 3

--

3

Determine whether the noise is from the front or the rear bearings.

Is the noise coming from the front bearings?

--

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 4

4

Is the noise coming from the rear?

--

Go to Step 6

--

5
  1. Hoist the vehicle.
  2. Support the lower control arms.
  3. Spin the wheel with the wheel spinner portion of on the vehicle wheel balancer.

Can you hear the noise from the drivers seat?

--

Go to Step 7

System OK

6
  1. Hoist the vehicle.
  2. Support the rear suspension so that the drive axles are in normal horizontal position
  3. Start the engine.
  4. Turn the wheels by putting the vehicle in gear.

Can you hear a bearing noise?

--

Go to Step 7

System OK

7

Replace the bearing and hub assembly:

    • If front, refer to Front Wheel Drive Shaft Bearing Replacement
    • If rear, refer to Rear Wheel Bearing and Hub Replacement

Is the repair complete?

--

System OK

--

Looseness

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1
  1. Remove the calipers. Refer to Brake Caliper Replacement Caliper Replacement (Front ) in Disc Brakes.
  2. Remove the brake pads. Refer to Brake Pads Replacement Pads (Front ) in Disc Brakes
  3. Reinstall the nuts to secure the rotor to the bearing and hub assembly.
  4. Mount the dial indicator. Grasp the rotor and use a push/pull movement for disc brakes. Grasp the bearing flange and use a push -pull movement for drum brakes.

Is looseness greater than the value shown for both drum and disc brakes?

0.1270 mm (0.005 in)

Go to Step 2

System OK

2

Replace the bearing and hub assembly. Refer to Front Wheel Drive Shaft Bearing Replacement Front Wheel Drive Shaft Bearing Replacement in Front Suspension.

Is the repair complete?

--

System OK

--

Wheel Bearings Diagnosis Template

The following procedure describes how to inspect the wheel bearing/hub for excessive looseness. If you are inspecting the wheel bearing/hub for excessive runout, refer to Tire and Wheel Vibration in Vibration Diagnosis and Correction.


Object Number: 519537 Size: SH

Tools Required

J 8001 Dial Indicator

Use the J 8520

    Important: If you are inspecting the FRONT wheel bearing/hub, support the front of the vehicle by the lower control arms in order to load the lower ball joint.

  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Mount and secure the J 8001 to a stand.
  3. Ensure that the J 8001 contacts the vertical surface of the wheel as close as possible to the top wheel stud.
  4. Push and pull on the TOP of the tire.
  5. Inspect the total movement indicated by the J 8001 .
  6. If the measurement exceeds 0.127 mm (0.005 in), replace the wheel bearing/hub. Refer to in Front Suspension or in Rear Suspension.