GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 GMC_Truck 🢒 2008 🢒 Savana - AWD 🢒 Preface 🢒 Cautions and Notices 🢒 Rear Axle Hub, Bearing, Cup, and/or Seal Replacement

Special Tools

    • J 8092 Universal Driver Handle - 3/4 inch - 10
    • J 2222-C Wheel Bearing Nut Wrench
    • J 24426 Wheel Bearing Race Installer - Outer
    • J 24427 Wheel Bearing Race Installer - Inner
    • J 44419 Hub Outer Bearing Race Installer
    • J 44420 Differential Bearing and Hub Seal Installer

Removal Procedure

Important: The wheel hub seal must be replaced anytime the wheel hub assembly is removed from the axle housing.

  1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
  2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
  3. Remove the brake caliper bracket. It is not necessary to remove the brake caliper from the bracket. Refer to Rear Brake Caliper Bracket Replacement .
  4. Remove the axle shaft. Refer to Rear Axle Shaft and/or Gasket Replacement .

    5. Object Number: 685935 Size: SH
  5. Remove the axle nut retaining ring.

    6. Object Number: 685937 Size: SH
  6. Remove the key.

    7. Object Number: 685938 Size: SH
  7. Remove the adjusting nut using the J 2222-C .

    8. Object Number: 685939 Size: SH
  8. Remove the adjusting nut.

    9. Object Number: 685940 Size: SH

    Important: If the oil seal remains on the axle hub, remove the seal using a suitable seal removal tool.

  9. Remove the hub from the axle housing.
  10. Remove the rotor, if necessary. Refer to Rear Brake Rotor Replacement .
  11. Remove the oil seal from the wheel hub using a suitable seal removal tool.

    12. Object Number: 666251 Size: SH
  12. Remove the inner hub bearing.

    13. Object Number: 768683 Size: SH
  13. Remove the inner hub bearing cup using a brass drift and a hammer.

    14. Object Number: 666208 Size: SH
  14. Remove the retaining ring from the wheel hub.

    15. Object Number: 695766 Size: SH
  15. Remove the outer hub bearing and bearing cup using the J 24426  (2) and the J 8092  (1).

Installation Procedure
  1. Lubricate the following with a light coat of high melting point EP bearing lubricant:
    2. • The outer wheel bearing
    • The inner wheel bearing
    • The outer wheel bearing cup
    • The inner wheel bearing cup
    • The axle hub spindle

    Object Number: 666187 Size: SH
  2. Install the outer bearing into the wheel hub.

    3. Object Number: 666199 Size: SH
  3. Install the outer bearing cup into the wheel hub.

    4. Object Number: 666203 Size: SH
  4. Drive the outer bearing cup into the wheel hub using the J 44419  (2) and the J 8092  (1).

    5. Drive the outer bearing cup into the wheel hub until it is just past the retaining ring groove. Do not bottom out the bearing assembly in the bore.


    Object Number: 666208 Size: SH
  5. Install the retaining ring into the groove. Make sure the retaining ring is fully and evenly seated in the groove.

    6. Object Number: 695766 Size: SH
  6. Turn the wheel hub over and seat the outer bearing assembly against the retaining ring using the J 24426  (2) and the J 8092  (1).
  7. Ensure that the outer bearing assembly rotates freely in the hub.

    8. Object Number: 666217 Size: SH
  8. Turn the wheel hub over and install the inner bearing cup.

    9. Object Number: 666250 Size: SH
  9. Drive the inner bearing cup into the wheel hub using the J 24427  (2) and the J 8092  (1).

    10. Object Number: 666251 Size: SH
  10. Install the inner bearing.

    11. Object Number: 720311 Size: SH
  11. Using the J 44420  (2) and the J 8092  (1), install the new oil seal. Ensure the seal is fully seated in the hub bore.
  12. Install the rotor, if necessary. Refer to Rear Brake Rotor Replacement .
  13. Apply a light coat of high melting point EP bearing lubricant to the axle housing spindle.

    14. Object Number: 685940 Size: SH

    Important: If the wheel hub assembly does not fully seat itself onto the axle shaft spindle and is removed, the wheel hub seal must be replaced.

  14. Install the wheel hub to the axle housing.

    15. Object Number: 685938 Size: SH
  15. Install the adjusting nut to the hub using the J 2222-C .
  16. Adjust the wheel bearings. Refer to Wheel Bearing Adjustment .
  17. Install the axle shaft. Refer to Rear Axle Shaft and/or Gasket Replacement .
  18. Install the brake caliper bracket. Refer to Rear Brake Caliper Bracket Replacement .
  19. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
  20. Inspect and add axle lubricant to the axle housing, if necessary. Refer to Rear Axle Lubricant Level Inspection .
  21. Lower the vehicle.