GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Removal Procedure


    Object Number: 160827  Size: SH
  1. Raise the vehicle. Support the vehicle with safety stands.
  2. Remove the wheel and tire assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  3. Notice: Support the caliper with a piece of wire to prevent damage to the brake line.

  4. Remove the front brake caliper. Refer to Brake Caliper Replacement in Disc Brakes.

  5. Object Number: 130890  Size: SH
  6. Remove the dust cap from the hub/rotor.
  7. Remove the cotter pin.
  8. Remove the nut and washer.
  9. Important: Do not damage the outer bearing and the spindle threads.

  10. Remove the rotor from the spindle.
  11. Remove the outer bearing.
  12. Remove the dust seal. Pry the seal out and discard the seal.
  13. Remove the inner bearing.
  14. Notice: Do not spin the wheel bearings with compressed air to dry them-the wheel bearings may be damaged.

  15. Clean all of the parts in a solvent, then air dry.
  16. Make sure all of the parts are clean and free of grease.
  17. Inspect the rotor. Refer to Brake Rotor Thickness Variation Check or Brake Rotor Lateral Runout Check or Brake Rotor Tolerance in Disc Brakes.
  18. Inspect the bearings and the races for wear or damage. Replace the parts as necessary. Refer to Wheel Bearings Diagnosis in Suspension General Diagnosis.

Installation Procedure

Important: 

   • Make sure that all of the parts are clean and free of grease.
   • Apply an approved high-temperature front wheel bearing grease to the spindle at the inner and outer bearing seat, the shoulder, and the seal seat.
   • Also, finger apply a small amount of grease inboard of each bearing cup in the hub/rotor.
   • Pressure pack the bearings with a grease machine, or hand pack the bearings. Make sure the grease is worked thoroughly into the rollers, the cone, and the cage.


    Object Number: 130890  Size: SH
  1. Install the inner bearing to the rotor.
  2. Apply an additional quantity of grease outboard of the inner bearing.
  3. Lubricate the seal lip.
  4. 3.1. Install the seal.
    3.2. Use a flat plate in order to press the seal down flush with the hub.

    Important: Do not scuff the spindle threads.

  5. Install the hub/rotor to the spindle.
  6. Install the outer bearing to the hub/rotor.
  7. Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

    Important: Adjust the wheel bearings. Refer to Wheel Bearing Adjustment

  8. Install the washer and nut.
  9. Tighten
    Tighten the nut to 16 N·m (12 lb ft), while turning the wheel forward by hand.

  10. Install the cotter pin.
  11. Apply grease to the outboard side of the outer bearing.
  12. Install the cap to the hub/rotor
  13. Install the front brake caliper. Refer to Brake Caliper Replacement in Disc Brakes.
  14. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  15. Remove the safety stands.
  16. Lower the vehicle.