Replacing wheel bearings - 04 Impala - any tips?

[RU482]

I need to replace the front wheel bearings on my 04 Impala. Never done it before but have replaced rotors, calipers and pads before.

It seems like a pretty straightforward job, but like anything, there's always something to look out for.

Anyone have any tips/pointers on what to do/avoid on a job like this?

thanks!

 

[exdeath]

Find out if you need to press new bearings or if you just replace the hubs. A lot of cars these days, you just buy the whole hub and bearing and ABS ring all preassembled and only have to torque down the hub to the tapered spindle.

For the drive wheels, you'll need a hydraulic press, and the proper size step plates to support the bearing outer race as you press it into the knuckle via the outer race, and another one to support the inner race as you press the hub into it. DO NOT PRESS ON AN UNSUPPORTED BEARING and don't learn the hard way what 20 tons can do to a cast aluminum knuckle.

When you pull the knuckles out, make sure you mark the position of the strut and eccentric bolts so you don't mess with alignment.

Proper tools make all the difference. A hammer often works in a pinch but is seldom the proper tool. A tie rod press and ball joint separator (eg: pickle fork) are some of those proper tools. And if you do it by the book, use all new cotter pins, etc.

 

[CraigRT]

Agree with exdeath.

Bearings are not possible in my garage on my Saturn (press fit)

Bearings on my friends sunfire were a breeze, as they were held in by 3 TORX T55 bolts on each side. It was a cinch changing those.

 

[exdeath]

Forgot to mention, and worth a separate post:

dust seals

The old ones will probably crumble and fall apart when you pull the axles out... and besides, deteriorated seals probably contributed to the need for new bearings in the first place.

 

[WhoBeDaPlaya]

Ugh, I just gave a little TLC recently (replaced both front wheel hub assemblies and regreased the rear press bearings). Not fun

 

[BUTCH1]

'04 seems kinda young for wheel bearings to go out, is this a high-mileage car OP or was it driven over crappy roads, ect. How can you tell if there shot, noises?, vibration?. I ask because I drive an '05 Malibu so I was wondering if this is an issue with these GM cars..

 

[kevman]

I'd just keep the bearing and replace the entire car.

 

[Vette73]

That has a HUB so no seperate wheel bearing/seal to worry about. Replace the HUB and thats it. If you know how to remove the brakes and CV joint then the hub will be in your exp range.

 

[Homer Simpson]

as mentioned above, this car will be an all in one assembly. i did the job on a 97 grand prix a few years ago (same w-body platform) and i dont recall it being all that hard. if you can do brakes, you can do this. i think there is a massive nut you have to remove and might need to rent the giant socket from the parts store but i may be recalling a different job... its been a few years since i did it. also keep in mind the new hub will have new wheel studs. dont forget to re-torque your lugnuts after your first test drive and then again after 50-100 miles.

 

[exdeath]

Just looked up the part for the front wheel bearing, it's a complete assembly which simply bolts to the knuckle with 3-4 bolts and you're done. No need to remove the knuckle except to pull it off the ball joint to get the axle end out of the hub.

No press needed, but you might need some kind of puller to pop the splines loose. If you've done calipers, this will be a cinch.

 

[IcePickFreak]

The puller isn't exactly required, but does make it easier to remove.



Front Wheel Bearing and Hub Replacement
Tools Required
J 42129 Wheel Hub Remover

Removal Procedure
Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
Remove the tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .



Disconnect the wheel speed sensor electrical connector (2), if equipped.



Remove the wheel speed sensor electrical connector from the bracket, if equipped.
Remove the front wheel drive shaft nut. Refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement .
Remove the brake rotor. Refer to Front Brake Rotor Replacement .



Use 3 wheel nuts in order to attach the J 42129 to the wheel bearing/hub.
Use the J 42129 in order to push the wheel drive shaft out of the wheel bearing/hub.



Remove and DISCARD the wheel bearing/hub bolts. Remove the J 42129 from the hub.
Important: Ensure that the wheel drive shaft outer seal/boot is not damaged.

Remove the wheel bearing/hub and splash shield-noting the position of the shield for re-installation.
Installation Procedure




Install the wheel bearing/hub with the splash shield as noted during removal.
Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

Caution: These fasteners MUST be replaced with new fasteners anytime they become loose or are removed. Failure to replace these fasteners after they become loose or are removed may cause loss of vehicle control and personal injury.

Install NEW wheel bearing/hub bolts.
Tighten
Tighten the NEW wheel bearing/hub bolts to 130 N�m (96 lb ft).

Install the brake rotor and caliper. Refer to Front Brake Rotor Replacement .
Install the front wheel drive shaft nut. Refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement .



Important: Ensure that the connector clip engages the bracket properly.

Install the wheel speed sensor electrical connector to the bracket, if equipped.



Connect the wheel speed sensor electrical connector (2), if equipped.
Install the tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
Lower the vehicle.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Document ID# 1232460
2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo

Yeah I know it's for a Monte, Impala is the same though.

 

[WhoBeDaPlaya]

'04 seems kinda young for wheel bearings to go out, is this a high-mileage car OP or was it driven over crappy roads, ect. How can you tell if there shot, noises?, vibration?. I ask because I drive an '05 Malibu so I was wondering if this is an issue with these GM cars..

It's usually manifested as a roaring/grinding noise when moving. It might go away at certain speeds and/or directions or turning.

The front bearings on my 06 LS went out and got replaced. Turning left = rawr, straight + turning right = silent.

 

[cobs]

There is a nice tutorial on youtube.

Part 1
Part 2

 

[BUTCH1]

It's usually manifested as a roaring/grinding noise when moving. It might go away at certain speeds and/or directions or turning.

The front bearings on my 06 LS went out and got replaced. Turning left = rawr, straight + turning right = silent.

'06 LS Impala or Malibu?..