Changing a Wheel Bearing.

[Bodaggit]

I have a wheel bearing going bad on the front of my Blazer. No suprise I know, it happens a lot with these things.

I've never changed one on a Blazer before, but it is the module type. I've done those on other vehicles and they were pretty easy.

Just wondering if there is anything I should expect to be hard about it, and any suggestions on other things to check while I have it apart down there?

It's a 2001 4x4.

[BlazerLT]

You will have to replace the whole hub.

You won't be able to replace the actual bearing itself.

[Bodaggit]

Yeah, I know that.

[BlazerLT]

If you have replaced one on a blazer before, I don't understand what advice you need?

[rlith]

All you need to remember is to torque the hub nut back to 180ft pounds. Pretty simple change. Remove the hub nut. Tap the CV joint back a bit to loosen it up, remove the 3 18mm bolts holding the hub. Disconnect the abs sensor wire, remove the 2 clips holding the ABS sensor wire, pull the hub, install in reverse. Will take about 40 pins per side on the average

[czm400r]

Is there any need to re-look at the alignment after such change has been made? I too have one side that needs replacing and do not want to have to bring it in for a re-alignment.

[blazee]

Originally Posted by rlith

All you need to remember is to torque the hub nut back to 180ft pounds. Pretty simple change. Remove the hub nut. Tap the CV joint back a bit to loosen it up, remove the 3 18mm bolts holding the hub. Disconnect the abs sensor wire, remove the 2 clips holding the ABS sensor wire, pull the hub, install in reverse. Will take about 40 pins per side on the average

2001 should be torqued to 103ft/lbs

[blazee]

Originally Posted by czm400r

Is there any need to re-look at the alignment after such change has been made? I too have one side that needs replacing and do not want to have to bring it in for a re-alignment.

There will be no need for a re-alignment.

[swalt]

I just pulled down the 2001 4x4 tech doc. Also found a link below to a guys site with pic's.

http://members.aol.com/s10man4x4/fhub.htm

Wheel Hub, Bearing, and Seal Replacement 4WD Pickup and Utilities
Removal Procedure
Raise and support the vehicle with safety stands. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
Remove the tire and the wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
Install punch in rotor vanes to hold from turning.


Remove the drive axle nut.
Remove the drive axle washer.
Remove the rotor. Refer to Brake Rotor Replacement - Front in Disc Brakes.



Disengage the wheel drive shaft from the wheel hub and bearing. Place a brass drift against the outer end of the wheel drive shaft in order to protect the wheel drive shaft threads. Sharply strike the brass drift with a hammer. Do not attempt to remove the wheel drive shaft from the wheel hub and bearing at this time.



Remove the wheel speed sensor mounting bolt from the wheel hub and bearing.
Remove the wheel speed sensor from the wheel hub and bearing.



Remove the wheel hub and bearing to the steering knuckle mounting bolts.




Important
Lay the wheel hub and bearing on the wheel hub studs on the outboard side. This prevents damage or contamination to the bearing seal.


Remove the wheel hub and bearing to the steering knuckle.
Remove the splash shield from the steering knuckle.



Remove the wheel hub and bearing seal from the wheel hub and bearing.
Installation Procedure




Install the wheel hub and bearing seal to the wheel hub and bearing.
Install the splash shield to the steering knuckle. Align the shield to the steering knuckle.



Install the wheel hub and bearing assembly to the steering knuckle. Align the threaded holes.




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.


Install the wheel hub and bearing to the steering knuckle mounting bolts. Tighten
Tighten the wheel hub and bearing to the steering knuckle mounting bolts to 105 N·m (77 lb ft).





Install the wheel speed sensor to the wheel hub and bearing.
Install the wheel speed sensor to the wheel hub and bearing mounting bolt. Tighten
Tighten the wheel speed sensor to the wheel hub and bearing mounting bolt to 18 N·m (13 lb ft).

Install the rotor. Refer to Brake Rotor Replacement - Front in Disc Brakes.



Install punch in rotor vanes to hold from turning.
Install the drive axle washer.
Install the drive axle nut. Tighten
Tighten the drive axle nut to 140 N·m (103 lb ft).

Install the tire and the wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
Lower the vehicle.
© Copyright General Motors Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

[blazee]

Nice post!

The new hub assemblies come with speed sensors already installed, so he won't have to remove and install the old one though.

[Bodaggit]

Originally Posted by BlazerLT

If you have replaced one on a blazer before, I don't understand what advice you need?

I just don't feel as though you read my first post. In it I said I knew they where the module type, and also said I had never installed one on a blazer. I feel as though you seen the words wheel bearing and said the fist thing that popped into your mind instead of reading. It is helpful in some cases, but not always.


Thankfully though, I got a full list on instructions from swalt that they had found on another site. Looks like it will be of some help, a little more of an involved process than what I have seen on OTHER vehicles I've changed this module type bearing on.