jaberwaki

any of you know if there is some special way to take off a front wheel bearing. i have taken off the 4 bolts that hold it, but it wont budge. does it require a pulley of some kind ?

VIP1

I don't know, but you might have better luck in the Handling & Braking section:
https://ls1tech.com/forums/suspension-brakes-16/

98boxer

iTrader: (7)

Aren't the wheel bearing supposed to be non-serviceable? Why are you replacing the wheel bearings?

msbz_ls1

iTrader: (1)

i thoguth they were non-serviceable also...they are threr for good.

VIP1

eh, I just noticed that you (jaberwaki) did post in there.

Everyone else, read this thread for more info:
https://ls1tech.com/forums/suspension-brakes/249171-please-help-my-wits-end.html

jaberwaki

if thats true then why do they sell the replacement part?

98boxer

iTrader: (7)

Not saying you or I can't service them but supposedly gm made them non-serviceable, but you are right in servicing them as the wheel bearing can wear out.

DWillTA

iTrader: (3)

They are nonservicable in the sense that you can not repack the bearings. They are a sealed hub assembly, ranging in the 95 to 105 dollar price range. Comes as a complete assembly with studs. I changed one on a 95 Monte Carlo a few weeks ago. I just removed the 4 bolts and the front CV axle nut and gave it a peck with a hammer and the hub assbly fell off. Not real sure how yours is set up but may try a slide hammer and a little persuasion. I saw a picture of the bearing and it looks to sit back in the frt spindle and may be seized. Also the noise I was getting was like a plane taking of when the noise first started. After a month or so it turned into a horrible vibration that got worse with speed and would resonate thru the whole vehicle. Just my 2 cents.

DWillTA

iTrader: (3)

The way to check for wheel bearing play is to jack up the wheel and spin it first to see if you can feel or hear any grinding. Then grab the wheel and give it a shake side to side at an angle & up and down. If you go just side to side you are more checking for frt end parts but at an angle & up and down will show any bearing play. Just give you a way to make sure that is the problem before you tear it apart.

jaberwaki

that was a perfect description of what it sounded like....

well i have changed both wheel bearings now.... first one took 24 hours (had to soak it over night in pb breaker) the second one took 2 hours total start to test drive...

man oh man what a differance now she slides smooth as ice

DWillTA

iTrader: (3)

Glad to hear you got it taken care of. They can be a real pain sometimes to replace.

skunk50

aren't wheel bearings supposed to be changed or repacked after 40-60k miles? and that i can be extremely dangerous in high speed situations?

how much do shop charges anyway (if you buy the whole assembly)?

DWillTA

iTrader: (3)

Most places will charge for an hours labor. So anywhere from 35 to 100 dollars for just the labor charge.

Like stated earlier, these are nonserviceable. So no you can not repack the bearings. The only alternative is to change the hub assembly, which on most models holds the ABS reluctor ring. That is why the cost of the part (up to $130) is so great.