Q: How to properly remove and install front wheel bearings and seals on Buick Regal?
A: Pry the dust cap from the hub, taking care not to distort or damage its flange. Once the bent ends of the cotter pin are cut, grasp it and pull or pry it free of the spindle; if difficulty is encountered, gently tap on the pliers with a hammer to help free the cotter pin. Loosen and remove the castellated nut from the spindle, then remove the washer. With the nut and washer out of the way, the outer bearings may be removed from the hub, followed by pulling the hub and inner bearing assembly from the spindle. Use a small pry tool to remove the old inner bearing seal, and with the seal removed, withdraw the inner bearing from the hub. Thoroughly pack the bearing with fresh, high-temperature wheel bearing grease before installation, and apply a thin coating of fresh grease to the new inner bearing seal lip. Tighten the nut to 12 ft. lbs. (16 Nm) while gently spinning the wheel, then adjust the bearings. After adjusting, install the dust cap by tapping its flange without hammering the center. To begin, raise and support the vehicle safely on jack stands, remove the wheel assembly, and then the caliper. Pry off the dust cap, straighten or cut the cotter pin, and remove it along with the locknut. Carefully pull off the brake disc and wheel hub without dropping the outer bearing, then remove the grease inside the wheel hub. Using a brass drift, carefully drive the outer bearing race out of the hub, followed by removing the inner grease seal and bearing. Check the bearings for wear or damage and replace them if necessary. For installation, coat the inner surface of the hub with grease, grease the outer surface of the bearing race, and drift it into place in the hub. Pack the inner and outer wheel bearings with grease, and if the brake disc has been removed or replaced, lighten the retaining bolts to specification. Install the inner bearing in the hub, ensuring not to distort it, and install the oil seal with its lip facing the bearing, driving the seal on until its outer edge is even with the edge of the hub. Install the hub/disc assembly on the spindle, being careful not to damage the oil seal, then install the outer bearing, washer, and spindle nut, adjusting the bearing as needed. For adjustment, remove the wheel and dust cover, then take out the cotter pin and lock cap from the nut. Tighten the wheel bearing nut to 14 ft. lbs. (19 Nm), loosen it, and retighten to 4 ft. lbs. (5 Nm). Finally, install the lock cap and cotter pin, followed by the dust cover and wheel assembly.