Wheel Bearing Hub - Front

Complete removal and replacement of the front wheel bearing hub assembly on a 1966 Corvette, including disassembly of brake components and spindle work.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front wheel bearing set (inner and outer bearings with races) × 1 — Use OEM specification or Timken equivalent
• Front wheel bearing grease seal × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Spindle nut cotter pin × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Wheel bearing grease (high-temperature, NLGI Grade 2) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Brake cleaner solvent × 1 — Non-chlorinated aerosol

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake firmly
2. Chock rear wheels securely on both sides
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts one full turn while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack at manufacturer-specified lift point
5. Position jack stands under frame rails and lower vehicle onto stands
6. Remove front wheel completely

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove brake caliper
   Using appropriate socket, remove the caliper mounting bolts securing the caliper and bracket assembly to the spindle (verify bolt count and arrangement against the factory service manual, as the 1966 Delco-Moraine 4-piston caliper uses a bridged two-piece design). Carefully lift caliper assembly away from rotor. Support caliper using wire or hanger so brake hose is not stressed or kinked. Do not let caliper hang by brake hose.
   Torque spec

   Brake Caliper Bracket Bolts120 Nm (88 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove dust cap and cotter pin
   Using pliers or screwdriver, carefully pry off the dust cap from the center of the hub. Straighten and remove the cotter pin from the spindle nut using needle-nose pliers. Discard the old cotter pin as it must not be reused.
3. 3

   Remove spindle nut and washer
   Using the large spindle nut socket, remove the spindle nut completely. Remove the flat washer behind the nut. Keep these components clean and inspect spindle nut threads for damage.
4. 4

   Remove outer bearing and rotor assembly
   Grasp the rotor firmly with both hands and pull straight outward to disengage the outer wheel bearing from the spindle. The outer bearing cone will slide out as you remove the rotor. Catch the outer bearing to prevent it from falling. Remove the rotor completely and set aside on clean surface.
5. 5

   Remove grease seal and inner bearing
   With rotor removed, locate the grease seal on the inner side of the hub. Using a brass drift punch or seal puller, carefully pry out the grease seal. The inner wheel bearing cone will be behind the seal. Remove the inner bearing and discard the old grease seal.
6. 6

   Remove old bearing races
   Using a brass drift punch and hammer, carefully drive out both the inner and outer bearing races from the hub. Work around the race circumference, tapping alternately on opposite sides to prevent cocking the race. Inspect hub bearing surfaces for pitting, scoring, or damage.
7. 7

   Clean hub and spindle thoroughly
   Using brake cleaner and shop towels, thoroughly clean all old grease from the hub bore, spindle, and surrounding areas. Inspect spindle for scoring, wear, or damage. Clean bearing races and cones with solvent and allow to dry completely. Do not use compressed air to spin bearings dry as this can damage them.
8. 8

   Install new bearing races
   Using a bearing race driver or appropriately sized socket that contacts only the outer edge of the race, drive new inner and outer bearing races squarely into the hub. Ensure races are fully seated against the shoulder in the hub bore. Tap evenly around circumference to prevent cocking.
9. 9

   Pack wheel bearings with grease
   Using high-temperature wheel bearing grease, thoroughly pack both inner and outer bearing cones. If using bearing packer tool, follow tool instructions. If packing by hand, work grease into bearing from large diameter side, forcing grease between all rollers until grease appears at small diameter end. Coat all bearing surfaces completely.
10. 10

    Install inner bearing and grease seal
    Place packed inner bearing cone into the inner race in the hub. Apply thin coat of grease to the sealing lip of the new grease seal. Using a seal driver or large socket that contacts only the outer edge of the seal, carefully drive the new grease seal squarely into the hub until it seats flush with the hub face.
11. 11

    Install rotor and outer bearing
    Carefully slide the rotor assembly back onto the spindle, ensuring the inner bearing remains properly seated. Install the packed outer bearing cone into the outer race. Install the flat washer onto the spindle.
12. 12

    Adjust wheel bearing preload
    Thread the spindle nut onto the spindle finger-tight. While rotating the rotor forward, snug the spindle nut to seat the bearings (factory procedure specifies tightening to approximately 25 lb-ft while rotating, then backing off — verify exact value against the 1966 Corvette factory service manual). Back off the nut until just loose, then hand-tighten the nut firmly. Back off the nut again until the nearest cotter pin hole in the spindle aligns with a slot in the nut (should be no more than 1/2 flat, approximately 1/6 turn). Install new cotter pin and bend ends securely. Rotor should spin freely with minimal end play (verify exact specification against the 1966 Corvette factory service manual, typically 0.001-0.008 inch for GM tapered roller front bearings).
13. 13

    Install dust cap
    Tap the dust cap squarely onto the hub center using a soft mallet or block of wood. Ensure cap is fully seated and secure.
14. 14

    Reinstall brake caliper
    Position brake caliper and mounting bracket assembly over the rotor. Align caliper bracket with mounting holes on spindle. Insert and hand-start both caliper bracket bolts. Torque caliper mounting bolts to the value specified in the 1966 Corvette factory service manual (typically around 60-70 lb-ft) in a cross pattern.
    Torque spec

    Brake Caliper Bracket Bolts120 Nm (88 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Install wheel and hand-tighten lug nuts in star pattern
2. Raise vehicle slightly with floor jack to remove load from jack stands
3. Remove jack stands and carefully lower vehicle to ground
4. Torque wheel lug nuts to manufacturer specification (typically 80-100 lb-ft for 1966 Corvette) in star pattern

Verification

• Spin wheel by hand to verify smooth rotation with no binding, grinding, or excessive looseness
• Check for excessive wheel end play by grasping tire at 12 and 6 o'clock positions and attempting to rock wheel - should have minimal movement (0.001-0.005 inch)
• Verify cotter pin is properly installed and bent to prevent spindle nut from loosening
• Pump brake pedal several times to restore brake pressure before moving vehicle
• Test drive vehicle at low speed in safe area, listening for any unusual noises from wheel bearing area
• After 50-100 miles, recheck spindle nut torque and bearing adjustment, re-torque if necessary

More procedures for this vehicle