GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Preliminary Inspection

Important: Ensure the brakes are fully released and do not drag.

Pull or push the tire at the top back and forth in order to test the wheel bearing play.

    • Use a pry bar under the tire as an alternative.
    • If the wheel bearing adjustment is correct, the movement will be barely noticeable.
    • If the movement is excessive, adjust the bearings.

Adjustment Procedure

Tools Required

J 2222-C Wheel Bearing Nut Wrench

  1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
  2. Remove the axle shaft. Refer to Rear Axle Shaft and/or Gasket Replacement .

  3. Object Number: 685935  Size: SH
  4. Remove the hub adjuster nut retaining ring.

  5. Object Number: 685937  Size: SH
  6. Remove the adjuster nut lock key.
  7. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 685938  Size: SH
  8. Tighten the wheel bearing adjusting nut using the J 2222-C .
  9. Rotate the hub in the opposite direction to the way the adjuster nut is turning.

    Ensure the inner bearing and the seal seats against the spindle shoulder.

    Tighten
    Tighten the adjusting nut to 70 N·m (52 lb ft).

  10. Turn the adjusting nut counterclockwise until the nut is loose using the J 2222-C .
  11. Turn the adjusting nut clockwise until the nut contacts the bearing cone. Torque on the nut must be zero to finger tight.

  12. Object Number: 685937  Size: SH
  13. Insert the adjusting nut lock key into the keyway using one of the following procedures:
  14. • If the adjusting nut slot is in alignment with the keyway in the axle spindle, insert the adjusting nut lock key into the keyway in the axle spindle.

       Important: Do not turn the adjusting nut more than one slot counterclockwise in order to align the adjusting nut slot with the keyway in the axle spindle.

    • If the adjusting nut slot is not aligned with the keyway in the axle spindle, turn the adjusting nut counterclockwise until the adjusting nut slot is in alignment with the keyway in the axle spindle and insert the adjusting nut lock key.

    Object Number: 685935  Size: SH
  15. Install the retaining ring.
  16. Install the axle shaft. Refer to Rear Axle Shaft and/or Gasket Replacement .
  17. Inspect the lubricant level and add, if necessary. Refer to Rear Axle Lubricant Level Inspection .
  18. Lower the vehicle.