LS1TECH - Camaro and Firebird Forum Discussion

Camaro and Firebird: How to Replace Wheel Hub Bearing

The wheel hub bearing is the part between your Camaro or Firebird's axle and your wheel. Read on to learn how to replace it.

By Bassem Girgis - March 10, 2016

This article applies to the Camaro and Firebird (1993-2002).

The wheel hub is the part where your Camaro or Firebird's wheels are attached to. A very bad wheel bearing can result in your wheel separating from your vehicle; however, on an average day, a bad wheel hub will cause some noises, such as, grinding, squeaking, and whining. To check for bad wheel hub bearings, you can raise the car and rotate the wheel; if the wheel wiggles left and right, that's definitely a bad wheel hub bearing. This guide will show you how to remove the old, bad bearing, and install a brand new one in its place.

Camaro and Firebird How to Replace Wheel Hub Bearing

Materials Needed

  • Jack and jack stands
  • Tire iron
  • 3/8 Allen wrench
  • Socket set
  • T55 Torx bit
  • Rubber mallet

Step 1 – Raise the car

Loosen the lug nuts on the wheel you will be replacing the bearing on, then raise your car. Secure the car with jack stands, then remove the wheel.

camaro firebird wheel hub bearing remove replace how to
Figure 1. Jacking points.

Step 2 – Remove brake caliper

Using your Allen wrench, remove the two bolts on the back of the brake caliper, then pull the caliper off. Make sure you don't let the brake caliper hang from the brake line.

camaro firebird wheel hub bearing remove replace how to
Figure 2. Remove brake caliper and set it somewhere safe.

Step 3 – Remove brake rotor

The brake rotor comes straight out. If it's stuck in place, tap the rotor with a rubber mallet until it comes loose, then pull it straight out.

camaro firebird wheel hub bearing remove replace how to
Figure 3. Pull the rotor straight out.

Step 4 – Remove wheel hub

The wheel hub bearing is held in place by three Torx screws. Use your T55 Torx bit to remove the three Torx screws. Simply insert the bit inside the hub's hole, remove the screw, then rotate the hub until you see the next screws, and remove them.

Loosen the center nut using your socket, then tap on the center with your rubber mallet. You will need to tap on the back of the hub with your rubber mallet as well to get the hub bearing loose. When it finally comes loose, remove it straight out.

  • camaro firebird wheel hub bearing remove replace how to
    Figure 4. Torx screws.
  • camaro firebird wheel hub bearing remove replace how to
    Figure 5. Remove three screws.
  • camaro firebird wheel hub bearing remove replace how to
    Figure 6. Remove center nut.

Step 5 – Install new hub

Installation is the reverse of removal.

  • Align the new hub in place, then tighten the three screws.
  • Tighten the center nut.
  • Align the brake rotor in place.
  • Install the brake caliper and tighten its two bolts.
  • Install the wheel.
  • Lower the car.

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