Cadillac 457052 Front Wheel Bearing

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In most instances, the front wheel bearings will not require servicing until the brake pads are altered. However, these bearings ought to be inspected whenever the front wheels are elevated for any reason. When the vehicle is securely supported on jack stands, the wheel should be spun to check for noise, rolling resistance or free play. The top of the tire should be grabbed with one hand and the bottom of the tire with the other, moving the tire in and out on the spindle. If it moves more than 0.005 in, the bearings should be inspected, and replaced if necessary.

Use solvent to thoroughly clean the bearings, hub, and spindle, ensuring no brush bristles embed in the bearing rollers.

Remove the axleshaft and the oil seal. A bearing puller which grips the bearing from behind will be required for this job. Attach a slide hammer to the puller and extract the bearing from the axle housing. Clean out the bearing recess and drive in the new bearing with a bearing installer or a piece of pipe positioned against the outer bearing race. Use a special bearing installer, large socket or piece of pipe to tap the bearing into the axle housing. Make sure the bearing is tapped into the full depth of the recess and the numbers on the bearing are visible from the outer end of the axle housing. Install a new oil seal, then install the axle shaft.

Front wheel bearings should be checked whenever the front of the vehicle is raised, typically coinciding with brake pad replacement. During inspection, assess each wheel by spinning it and examining for noise, rolling resistance, and freeplay.

A bearing puller is needed.

To replace the wheel bearings on your vehicle, begin by raising the vehicle using a hoist or jack and securing it with jackstands. Remove the wheel and tire, followed by the brake caliper, which should be suspended using a wire from the upper arm. Proceed to remove the hub dust cup, cotter pin, spindle nut, and washer. Take care not to allow the bearing to fall out of the hub when removing it from the spindles. Remove the outer bearing, then the inner bearing by prying out the grease seal and discarding the old seal. Repeat these steps for the other wheel. Thoroughly wash all parts in solvent and inspect the old races for any galling or scoring. If found, drive the old races out of the hub using a brass drift. Lubricate the new race and seat it squarely into the hub using an appropriate tool. Inspect the bearings for a cracked cage or pitting, replacing the race if necessary. Clean the hub and spindle, lubricate the wheel bearings with high-temperature front wheel bearing grease, and apply a thin film of grease to the spindle at the bearing seats. Add grease inboard of each bearing race in the hub, pack the bearing with grease thoroughly, and place the inner bearing in the hub, adding more grease inboard. Install a new grease seal flush with the hub, lubricating the seal lip with a thin layer of grease. Carefully install the hub and rotor assembly, place the outer bearing, washer, and nut, and tighten the spindle nut to specified torque while turning the wheel hub assembly forward by hand. Back off the nut to a "just loose" position, hand tighten it, and install a new cotter pin. Finally, install the dust cap, brake caliper, wheel and tire, and lower the vehicle to the ground.

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.

The bearing puller can be attached to the slide hammer.

After installing the front wheel bearings, you should lower the model and tighten the lug nuts.