How To Replace Front Wheel Bearing Chevy Silverado 4×4

Wheel bearings are an important part of your Chevy Silverado pickup truck’s wheels, as they help them turn quickly and with minimal friction.

Changing wheel bearings yourself is a useful skill that can save you considerable money compared to taking your car to the mechanic.

To help you decide if you should undertake this difficult task, we’ve put together a step-by-step guide on how to replace front wheel bearing chevy silverado 4×4, as well as some frequently asked questions.

How To Replace Front Wheel Bearing Chevy Silverado 4×4

A bad wheel bearing should cause certain scraping noises, such as a clicking noise. If the bearing is badly broken or lacks clamping energy, it may vibrate or rock.

When you experience an uncontrolled ride, it’s time to replace the bearings. This tutorial requires a series of steps, each with its own specific task.

Jack up truck

When it comes to replacing wheel bearings, the next step is to lift the wheel in question off the ground. To do this, use a jack, just as you would if you were changing a tire.

If your vehicle is not equipped with a jack, you can buy one from a parts store (or borrow one from a friend).

It is important to attach the jack to a sturdy metal component of your vehicle’s underbody to avoid damaging the flimsier plastic parts that are subjected to the weight of the vehicle.

1. Front Wheel Removal

Once the wheel is lifted, it must be removed from the vehicle. To do this, first, unscrew and remove the wheel bolts, then lift the wheel to free it from any obstacles. Make a note of where you have put the nuts so that you don’t lose sight of them.

3. Remove Brake Caliper

After removing the wheel, you will be able to see the brake caliper in its entirety. To remove the bolts holding the caliper in place, use a ratchet and socket combination.

Then, using a screwdriver, pry the caliper off. Make sure the caliper is securely fastened to the underbody of the vehicle, as dangling the caliper can damage the brake line.

4. Expose And Remove Rotor

Now that the Brake Caliper has been removed, the rotor will be visible for inspection. Remove the plastic dust cap to gain access to the rotor mounting components; you will need a hammer to do this. Using pliers, remove the dust cap and key, then unscrew the nut and castellated washer from the nut. All components should be stored in a safe place for future use.

Once the steps described above have been completed, you should be able to separate the rotor from the vehicle and remove the outer wheel bearing. If it sticks, tap it gently with a rubber mallet to loosen it, but do not break it.

5. Removal of the Hub Bearing Unit

It is necessary to remove the bearing unit from the bushing to replace it with a new one. Because the bushing is linked to an ABS sensor, you must detach the sensor near the chassis before you can replace it.

You can also remove the ABS sensor by unscrewing the bushing bearing plate that holds it in place. If you do not remove all of the surrounding components, you will be forced to replace the bushing with a new one at a later date.

6. Install New Wheel Bearings

You are now ready to proceed with the installation of your new wheel bearings. Greasing and installing your new bearing sets, as well as placing the new races in the grooves created by removing the old ones with a hammer, will accomplish this task. Check that your new bearings have been installed all the way in and are properly aligned with the shaft.

Be sure to use enough oil so that everything runs smoothly and your wheel can turn with the least amount of friction. Maintaining proper lubrication of your new wheel bearings is critical to their long-term performance.

7. Reinstallation of Previous Parts

Therefore, once the new hub unit is installed, replace the previously removed components. Replace the brake caliper bracket and rotor. Next, in preparation for tire installation, reinstall the calipers and brake pads.

8. Reinstallation of the Wheel

It is now necessary to rebuild the wheel once the new wheel bearings have been mounted. Replace all the wheel components you removed carefully, in the reverse order in which you removed them.

Putting everything back in place as you disassemble it will make it easier for you to see what needs to go where when you reassemble it. Once you’ve assembled everything, carefully lower the wheel to the ground and remove the jack, and pat yourself on the back for successfully changing the wheel bearings on your own.

FAQs

Can you replace wheel bearings yourself?

Replacing wheel bearings is considered an intermediate task that can be done at home, but requires the use of certain specialized mechanical equipment. Before beginning the repair, have the vehicle’s repair manual handy and specify the type of wheel bearing the vehicle has.

Can I just replace the wheel bearing and not the Hub?

If the hub assembly on your car or truck is not repairable and has pressed-in bearings, you will need a shop press to separate and patch the bearings. If the wheels on your car or truck cannot be repaired, simply remove them and replace them with new parts.

How long does it take to replace a wheel bearing?

One of the most important aspects influencing the upgrade period is experience. Turnaround time for new technicians can be up to two hours. However, skilled technicians can cut the time in half, especially if parts or equipment are not delayed.

Is it hard to change a wheel bearing?

It is not a simple job to replace the combination wheel bearing to the main shaft or steering knuckle with a hub and bolt if you do not have the necessary experience, equipment, and guides. The axle nut, of course, is very strong and can be difficult to remove.

What does a bad wheel bearing sound like?

Most people perceive bad wheel bearings as a hissing or squealing sound (the sounds are often mistaken for worn tires). Similarly, a bad bearing may emit a loud grinding or squealing sound in certain situations. The strength of the sound correlates with tire movement in any given situation.

Final Thoughts

In this way, you can remove the front wheel of the truck. This method will seem time-consuming, but once finished, you will be delighted with the result.

Liam Dare

As CEO of ReplicarClub.com, my passion for the automotive world motivates me to build online businesses that provide information and entertainment to users. I am proud to contribute in a positive way to the automotive community.