GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Step

Action

Values

Yes

No

DEFINITION: This table is designed to diagnose ONLY the front wheel bearing assemblies. Rear wheel bearings are part of the rear drive axle assembly. For diagnosis of rear wheel bearings, refer to Diagnostic Starting Point - Rear Drive Axle .

1

Did you review the General Description and perform the necessary inspections?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Symptoms - Suspension General Diagnosis

2

  1. Install the J 39570 Chassis Ear.
  2. Important: A noise heard during left turns is a good indicator of a noisy right wheel bearing. A noise heard during right turns is a good indicator of a noisy left wheel bearing.

  3. Road test the vehicle to verify the location of the noise. Drive the vehicle on a smooth road at a moderate speed range. While driving, turn the wheel to the left and the right to apply loads to each wheel corner.

Is the noise present at the wheel bearing?

48-72 km/h (30-45 mph)

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 3

3

    Important: Support the vehicle by the lower control arms or the rear axle to prevent movement during wheel bearing/hub inspection.

  1. Mount and secure the J 8001 Dial Indicator to the steering knuckle.
  2. Firmly push the hub flange towards the vehicle.
  3. Ensure that the dial indicator contacts the vertical surface of the hub as close as possible to the center of the flange.
  4. Firmly pull the hub flange away from the vehicle in order to inspect the total travel indicator by the dial indicator.

Is the measurement greater then the specified value?

0.127 mm (0.005 in)

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 4

4

Inspect for tire or wheel damage. Refer to Tire and Wheel Assembly Runout Measurement - On-Vehicle .

Did you find and correct the condition?

 

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 5

5

Inspect the front and/or rear suspension. Refer to Noise Diagnosis - Front Suspension or Noise Diagnosis - Rear Suspension .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 2

6

Replace the wheel bearing. Refer to Front Wheel Bearing and Hub Replacement .

Did you complete the repair?

--

Go to Step 7

--

7

Road test the vehicle to verify the repair.

Does the vehicle operate normally?

--

System OK

Go to Step 3