GM 14066918 Wheel Bearing

In most cases, the front wheel bearings should be checked whenever the front of the vehicle is raised, typically coinciding with brake pad replacement. The vehicle must be supported safely on jackstands and each wheel assessed by spinning it while checking for noise, rolling resistance and freeplay. You should grab the top and bottom of each tire to check for excessive play as you move the wheel in and out on the spindle; if there is any noticeable movement, bearing inspection, repacking with grease or replacement is required. After removing the wheel, remove the brake caliper and hang it out of your way possibly using a wood block between the brake pads for separation. Thereafter pry out dust cap, straighten and remove cotter pin then take off nut lock, nut, and washer from spindle. Slightly pull hub/disc assembly outwardly then push it back to facilitate removal of outer bearing. Then separate hub/disc assembly from spindle using screwdriver skimming seal out of rear side of hub keeping in mind how it was oriented during its installation. Proceed further to remove inner wheel bearing, clean all components thoroughly with solvent before carefully inspecting them for damage on races or bearings themselves. Replace any defective bearing races at a machine shop if necessary making sure that old bearings are not installed on new races. Thereafter pack bearings with high-temperature front wheel bearing grease and apply thin coat to designated spindle areas. Finger dam grease inboard of each bearing race inside the hub to contain excess grease. After this insert grease-packed inner bearing, a new seal then put outer bearing on top. Place washer on spindle followed by spindle nut which should be tightened gently; spin hub while tightening to approximately 20 ft-lbs then loosen 1/4-turn and finally secure snugly by hand using new cotter pin plus nut lock. Next install dust cap; replace brake caliper; re-attach the wheel then check condition of bearings by grabbing top & bottom of the tire. Finally, lower the vehicle.

In most cases, the front wheel bearings should be checked whenever the front of the vehicle is raised, typically coinciding with brake pad replacement. The vehicle must be supported safely on jackstands and each wheel assessed by spinning it while checking for noise, rolling resistance and freeplay. You should grab the top and bottom of each tire to check for excessive play as you move the wheel in and out on the spindle; if there is any noticeable movement, bearing inspection, repacking with grease or replacement is required. After removing the wheel, remove the brake caliper and hang it out of your way possibly using a wood block between the brake pads for separation. Thereafter pry out dust cap, straighten and remove cotter pin then take off nut lock, nut, and washer from spindle. Slightly pull hub/disc assembly outwardly then push it back to facilitate removal of outer bearing. Then separate hub/disc assembly from spindle using screwdriver skimming seal out of rear side of hub keeping in mind how it was oriented during its installation. Proceed further to remove inner wheel bearing, clean all components thoroughly with solvent before carefully inspecting them for damage on races or bearings themselves. Replace any defective bearing races at a machine shop if necessary making sure that old bearings are not installed on new races. Thereafter pack bearings with high-temperature front wheel bearing grease and apply thin coat to designated spindle areas. Finger dam grease inboard of each bearing race inside the hub to contain excess grease. After this insert grease-packed inner bearing, a new seal then put outer bearing on top. Place washer on spindle followed by spindle nut which should be tightened gently; spin hub while tightening to approximately 20 ft-lbs then loosen 1/4-turn and finally secure snugly by hand using new cotter pin plus nut lock. Next install dust cap; replace brake caliper; re-attach the wheel then check condition of bearings by grabbing top & bottom of the tire. Finally, lower the vehicle.

Pry the dust cap from the hub, taking care not to distort or damage its flange.

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.

Check the bearings again by grabbing the top and bottom of the tire, lower the vehicle to the ground, fully tighten the wheel nuts, and install the hub cap, using a rubber mallet to seat it completely.

After reinstalling the front wheel bearings, 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.

Carefully inspect the bearings for cracks, heat discoloration, bent rollers, etc. Also, check the bearing races inside the hub for cracks, scoring, or uneven surfaces.

The new bearing should be tapped in to the full depth of its recess.

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.

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

To check the front wheel bearings, you can spin the wheel while the model is on jackstands and assess noise, rolling resistance, and freeplay. You can also grab the tire's top and bottom and check if it moves more than 0.005 inches.

Discard the old oil seal, install a new one, and then reinstall the axleshaft.