Buick 457196 Front Wheel Bearing

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The bearings should be repacked every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) and adjusted properly. It is recommended to repack the front wheel bearings during brake repair service. Repack the bearings when removing the rotors for brake pad replacement. Properly adjusted bearings should have a slightly loose feeling and should never be preloaded. If the bearings are too loose, clean and inspect them before repacking and adjusting. To adjust the bearings, raise the vehicle, remove the wheel cover and dust cap, remove the cotter pin and spindle nut, tighten the nut as the wheel spins, back off the nut, and insert the cotter pin. For removal and installation, raise and support the vehicle, remove the wheel and tire assemblies, remove the hub/disc assembly, remove the outer and inner bearing assemblies, wash and inspect the parts, install a new race, pack the bearing with grease, install a new grease seal, install the hub or hub/rotor assembly, install the rotor, install the wheel and adjust the wheel bearing, and install the grease cap. When repacking the bearings, clean and inspect them, fill the bearing cone and roller assemblies with grease, and reassemble and adjust the bearings.

If there is damage to the bearing races, replace any defective bearing races at a machine shop if necessary, ensuring that old bearings are not installed on new races.

A bearing puller is needed.

Front wheel bearings are typically inspected when changing brake pads or when raising the vehicle for any reason.

To remove the axleshaft and oil seal, start by using a bearing extractor or a custom tool to engage behind the bearing. Attach a slide hammer to extract the bearing from the axle casing. Once removed, clean out the bearing recess and drive in the new bearing using a piece of tubing against the outer bearing track. Ensure the new bearing is lubricated with gear lubricant and tapped into the full depth of its recess, with the bearing numbers visible from the outer end of the casing. Finally, discard the old oil seal, install a new one, and re-install the axleshaft.

A bearing puller which grips the bearing from behind is required.

In most cases, the front wheel bearings should be checked whenever the front of the vehicle is raised, typically coinciding with brake pad replacement. While the vehicle is securely supported on jackstands, assess each wheel by spinning it and examining for noise, rolling resistance, and freeplay. To check for excessive play, grasp the top and bottom of each tire and move the wheel in and out on the spindle; any noticeable movement indicates the need for bearing inspection, repacking with grease, or replacement. After removing the wheel, displace the brake caliper and hang it out of the way, possibly using a wood block between the brake pads for separation. Proceed to pry out the dust cap, straighten and remove the cotter pin, and then eliminate the nut lock, nut, and washer from the spindle. Slightly pull the hub/disc assembly out and push it back to facilitate the removal of the outer bearing. Subsequently, detach the hub/disc assembly from the spindle and use a screwdriver to pry out the seal from the rear of the hub, taking note of its installation. Proceed to remove the inner wheel bearing, clean all components thoroughly with solvent, and meticulously inspect the bearings and races for damage. Replace any defective bearing races at a machine shop if necessary, ensuring that old bearings are not installed on new races. Subsequently, use high-temperature front wheel bearing grease to pack the bearings and apply a thin coat of grease to designated spindle areas. Add grease inboard of each bearing race inside the hub, forming a dam with your finger to contain excess grease. Install the grease-packed inner bearing, a new seal, and the outer bearing. Place the washer and spindle nut, tighten it gently, spin the hub while tightening to approximately 20 ft-lbs, then loosen it 1/4-turn, and finally secure it snugly by hand with a new cotter pin and nut lock. Install the dust cap, replace the brake caliper, reattach the wheel, and check the bearings' condition by grasping the top and bottom of the tire. Finally, lower the vehicle.

A bearing puller is needed.

To remove the front wheel bearings, pry out the dust cap, straighten and remove the cotter pin, and then eliminate the nut lock, nut, and washer from the spindle.

The new bearing can be installed using a bearing installer or a piece of pipe against the outer bearing race.

The bearing recess should be cleaned out.

To remove the front wheel bearings for replacement or repacking, you need to remove the hub cap and wheel first. Then, remove the caliper and hang it aside. Pry out the dust cap and remove the cotter pin and spindle nut. Pull the hub assembly to remove the outer bearing, and then take off the inner bearing and lip seal.

The bearing puller can be found at tool stores and auto parts stores.

Subsequently, use high-temperature front wheel bearing grease to pack the bearings and apply a thin coat of grease to designated spindle areas. Add grease inboard of each bearing race inside the hub, forming a dam with your finger to contain excess grease.

With the vehicle securely supported on jack stands, spin the wheel and check for noise, rolling resistance, or free play. Also, grab the top and bottom of the tire and move it in and out on the spindle. If it moves more than 0.005in, the bearings should be checked.