changing montana front bearing with sensor

[Lucky-Luc]

is it a big deal changing the hub an bearing on a montana ,,,,

will i need special tool ????any trick tips ,,or maybe i am better having
a mechanic doing it,,,,(sure like to do thing myself)

the problem is a defective sensor on a front wheel that activate the ABS at any time without even braking,,,,,i have just unplug the quick connect on BOTH front wheel an put some tape to protect the connector,,,was it the right thing to do,,,,

first time here!!!!!thanks for any info!!!!

Lucky-Kuc

[sirjonas]

Well i have to change both front wheel bearings in a couple weeks so i will let you know how hard it is to do.

[bigpoppapete]

I changed the driver's side wheel bearing before. I don't remember that much about it other then it was easier then I had figured on.
As far as tools go, I think the only tools I needed out of the ordinary was one of those rachet knuckles that will angle on a 45 degree(forget the name)

[sirjonas]

ya i know what you are talking about but i cannot think of the name either offhand, but i do have one. did you have to use a puller to get yours off?

[bigpoppapete]

Originally Posted by sirjonas

ya i know what you are talking about but i cannot think of the name either offhand, but i do have one. did you have to use a puller to get yours off?

No I didn't use a puller. just wrenches,sockets,etc. A hammer and a prybar are good as well. You know, a jack,jack stand, regular stuff

[tksorensen]

There are three bolts, a 1/4" breaker bar with a 13mm 6 point socket was great for the top bolt. There is not a lot of clearance between the strut and mount. A standard combination wrench will not fit down in. A a ratchet would probably work with a wobbly extension but not as easy to torque when disassemblying.

Good luck,

Tony

[brightsun]

Just got mine changed today ('03 Montana). I initially posted my problem here.

Yes, you will definitely need a bearing puller to get it out (or you will risk damage to other nearby parts), but before that, get a string thick enough (ie. a spare electrical wire) to hang the brake assembly with the shock spring while working with the bearing part.

On top of all, you must have the car being LIFTED up high enough & secured to work with (both front wheels must be free) & the gear set to "neutral" since you will require to manually turn the wheels left or right at some point to be able to access to & remove the brake assembly from INSIDE OUT.

You will also need a blower to get off the dust accumulated around the area (caused by the brakes). And some lubricants as well.

Each front bearing (including the embeded ABS sensor) should cost about $200.00 (USD), but no more than $250 & take about 1 hour to replace, if you have all the tools & know what you're doing.

[cdru]

[quote=brightsun]Yes, you will definitely need a bearing puller to get it out[quote]Agreed. It will make the job much easier then trying to pull it off otherwise. You can rent the tool at Autozone for "free" (deposit required).

Each front bearing (including the embeded ABS sensor) should cost about $200.00 (USD), but no more than $250 & take about 1 hour to replace, if you have all the tools & know what you're doing.

Price really depends on what year vehicle. My 98 bearings run $108-134.

[1999montana]

Well, it finally happened. Got stuck on the road with a repair that I didn't quite have enough tools to fix (no floor jack and no axle stands). Left front wheel bearing started to hum loudly about 100 miles from home.

Wasn't sure if I could make it to our destination (about another 35 miles) so I limped into a garage owned by a friend of a friend along the way.

The bearing was noisy but would likely have made the trip home (round trip about 270 miles). Garage re and re'ed the bearing in about 45 minutes at a cost of about $295.00 CDN for the bearing and one hour labor. $400+ later, we were on our way.

Now I know what to look for or listen for on the right side bearing. I think the left one has been giving me warning signs for over a year now. Just decided to give up on a hot 85 degree day I guess.

GTP Dad: Remember the story about the squeaky noise on right turns? Rotor had just enough rust scale on it to brush up against the wheel sensor bracket in behind the hub. A sure sign that the bearing was beginning to exhibit excessive side play.
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