wheel bearing hub assembly

[01regalGS]

The following conditions make me believe that I have a hub assembly on its way out: 1. When I get a thump from the front end when I turn left.
2. Car was pulling hard to the right until... 3. SVS light,ABS light, and traction off light came on this morning. Once 3 occured the pull was greatly reduced.

So my question is: 1. Which wheel is in need of replacing. 2. How difficult is it to replace a hub?

Thanks in advance for any information.

BTW it is a 2001 Regal GS with 120,000 miles on it.

[BNaylor]

When ABS or traction control kicks in-out on a Regal GS you'll feel it in the steering because with the full range traction control system it will apply the brake. The lights indicate its probably one of the wheel sensors. To determine which specific wheel sensor is causing the problem, it has to be scanned with a scanner capable of detecting GM CHASSIS/ABS codes otherwise it is just a guess.

Replacing the hub/bearings is very tedious but can be done DIY. You'll need special tools like a torque wrench, breaker bar, 35 - 36mm socket for the axle nut. If the hub is stuck on the spindle you'll need a hub puller. When the job is completed the axle nut must be torqued to a range of 151 - 180 ft lbs depending on whether you use OEM GM parts or aftermarket.







2001 Buick Regal GS

[01regalGS]

Thank you for the quick reply and info. Do you have any thoughts on the thump when turning left?

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by 01regalGS

Thank you for the quick reply and info. Do you have any thoughts on the thump when turning left?

No problem and you're welome. The clunk/thump sound could be the wheel bearings or intermediate steering shaft (ISS). A lot of us have been having problems with it. See link below and may give you an idea.

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=477422

[01regalGS]

Thanks again, could some of these problems be caused by struts? I'm driving on the originals and think it might be time to replace.

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by 01regalGS

Thanks again, could some of these problems be caused by struts? I'm driving on the originals and think it might be time to replace.

I would say with that mileage on the original struts the problem you are having is being exacerbated especially when the ABS or traction control kicks in. On my wife's '99 Regal LS we changed them out at 80K miles and what a difference it made. The ride and handling improved. The problem we GS owners have is that torque steer when you get it on.

Hope you get it resolved and good luck.

[01regalGS]

My technical diagnosis (jacking up each wheel and wiggling back and forth) is that my drivers side
wheel bearing is shot. There is about a 1/4 inch of play each way. So I picked up a new hub assembly and
have a couple more questions.

1. Should I replace the axle nut?
2. Is there a trick to getting to the top bolt that holds the hub on?

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by 01regalGS

My technical diagnosis (jacking up each wheel and wiggling back and forth) is that my drivers side
wheel bearing is shot. There is about a 1/4 inch of play each way. So I picked up a new hub assembly and
have a couple more questions.

1. Should I replace the axle nut?
2. Is there a trick to getting to the top bolt that holds the hub on?

Yes, too much freeplay. It is highly recommended to replace the axle nut. No trick on the top hub bolt that I know of. Good idea to WD40 and let it set a while first. Be sure to loosen, not remove the axle nut before you get into it. The hub bolts are torqued to 60 ft-lbs so it won't be as difficult as removing like the 2 caliper bracket mounting bolts which are torqued a lot higher.