Front Wheel Bearings

I own a 1998 GMC Jimmy and need to know how difficult it is to replace the front wheel bearings, is this something that can be done at home or has to be done in a shop.

Does any have a link to any web site that outlines the steps?

Thanks,

I own a 1998 GMC Jimmy and need to know how difficult it is to replace the front wheel bearings, is this something that can be done at home or has to be done in a shop.

Does any have a link to any web site that outlines the steps?

Thanks,

Pretty easy... Only needed tools

18mm box wrench and socket
36mm socket
BFG (Big farkin hammer)
Jack
19mm socket or lug wrench
torque wrench (hub nut must be at 180 ft pounds)

Is their an esay way to tell which bearing needs to be replaced, or should I just replace both of them?

you can jack the wheel up then move it from left to right and top to bottom while having someone watch the hub from the back. While you still can't always tell it's worth a try. For me though I would replace both hubs.

Is their an esay way to tell which bearing needs to be replaced, or should I just replace both of them?

On the highway, turn slightly to the left and right.

Turning left loads the right bearing and vise versa. If you turn left at highway speed and it howls or roars (not like a dog or lion ;)), the right bearing is bad.

Turning right and the noise coming about means the left bearing is bad.

On the highway, turn slightly to the left and right.

Turning left loads the right bearing and vise versa. If you turn left at highway speed and it howls or roars (not like a dog or lion ;)), the right bearing is bad.

Turning right and the noise coming about means the left bearing is bad.
Does this method apply to a 2001 Jimmy 2WD with the sealed hub bearing assemblies?

Applies to all vehicles with bearings.

OK...so riddle me this...I have the howl driving straight and when I turn left. When I turn right, it goes away...left bearing bad? Or is it both simultaneous...?

OK...so riddle me this...I have the howl driving straight and when I turn left. When I turn right, it goes away...left bearing bad? Or is it both simultaneous...?

Right bearing, when you turn left, you load the right bearing.

Right bearing, when you turn left, you load the right bearing.
Bizarre....but I've spent too much time lurking and reading (and successfully following advice) on this board to question you guys. Thanks!

Bizarre....but I've spent too much time lurking and reading (and successfully following advice) on this board to question you guys. Thanks!

Just think of it, when you turn left the weight shifts to the ouside tire right which will be the right tire. This loads the tire and the bearing.

I just replaced the front wheel bearings on my '92 Jimmy. The job is easy. The howling that the previous posters mentioned went away immediately. The truck has about 146,000 miles and the bearings I replaced were probably the originals. BTW I would replace all of them. Trying to figure out which one is bad is too tough. When I took the old ones off they all looked good. Good luck.

Was it a 2wd?

Yes it is a 2WD. If this thread referred to 4WD I apologize.

Yes it is a 2WD. If this thread referred to 4WD I apologize.

Oh no, just making sure a person knows before they go in thinking a 4wd front bearing replacement is easy. ;)

Completely different ball of wax when you have driveline components to deal with.

Pretty easy... Only needed tools

18mm box wrench and socket
36mm socket
BFG (Big farkin hammer)
Jack
19mm socket or lug wrench
torque wrench (hub nut must be at 180 ft pounds)
the BFH sure came in handy. total time spent was about 3.5 hrs both sides thanks alot!