Front Wheel Bearings

[amazonpup]

I have a '99 2wd 4.3 V6 Blazer. Both of my front wheel bearings are shot and need to be replaced. I have a Haynes manual, but the directions in it are inacurate. I guess my question for right now is how do I get the wheel bearings out of the wheel assembly? I can get the roter off, but other than that I am stuck.

[SpitAndDirt]

The bearings on a 2wd couldn't be easier. The inner bearings(larger) are knocked out using a brass punch. I guess I should be more specific in that when you replace your wheel bearings you are also replacing the bearing "race" that the bearing rides on. The brass punch is used so that you don't gouge up the surface of the new races. If you are replacing the rotors, new rotors usually come with new races already pressed in. Other than that you just need to thoroughly pack your bearings with grease, reinstall them in the rotor and then tap a new bearing seal on the back of the rotor. Talk with one of your local parts guys to model the procedure with some new parts. As long as they aren't swamped with customers, counter people can be your best friend. Good Luck -Chris

[BlazerLT]

Yea, 2WD is a since and I just read the Haynes manual and it couldn't be any easier.

If those instructions make you neervous, I would recommend you get a garage to replace them.

[amazonpup]

The '99 Blazer dose not have the type of wheel bearings that are described in the Haynes or Chilton manuals that cover this year vehicle.

I have changed out wheel bearings on other vehicles before and it wasn't that hard, but these are different. When you pull out the dustcap there is a nothing there...there is just a hollow space where the bearings usually are. There is no cotter pin, there is no inner and outer bearing...there is nothing that there usually is. and when I pull of the roter the seal on the back of the bearing says something like 'do not disassemble - not serviceable'.

It is some kind of design that I have never seen before. Is there anyone out there that has any information on a '99 Chevy Blazer's front wheel bearings. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Mikado14]

First, I have never done the front bearings on a 2WD '99 Blazer. However, what you are describing sounds the same as a pickup but smaller. After removal of the rotor, look in the back of the spindle. You will see 4 bolts, they might be 19mm. removal of these bolts will permit the removal of the bearing assembly. It won't be cheap for you will have to buy the entire casting with the bearings already pressed in. Hope this helps..

[amazonpup]

Thanks Mikado14. That is not really what I wanted to hear (the 'It won't be cheap' part), but it does help.

[Mikado14]

BTW, It sounds as if it is the same as a 4WD except with a plug where the axle would go through. If that be the case, you might consider with the use of a pickle fork, the removal of the upper, lower balljoint and the tie rod end. You will have the entire spindle assembly off and those 4 bolts will be much easier to remove with an air gun. Good luck!

[Mikado14]

OOOOOPPPPPssss, don't forget to remove or unplug your ABS sensor prior to removal.