Wheel Bearing - Press-In Front

This procedure covers removal and replacement of a press-in front wheel bearing assembly on a 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with RWD configuration, including hub removal, bearing extraction, and installation.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front wheel bearing (press-in type) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Wheel bearing grease (high-temp synthetic) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Cotter pin for axle nut × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Brake parts cleaner × 1 — Non-chlorinated

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Loosen wheel lug nuts on the affected wheel while vehicle is on ground
3. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack and support securely on jack stands placed at manufacturer-recommended lift points
4. Remove wheel completely
5. Clean hub area and surrounding components with brake parts cleaner and wire brush

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove brake caliper and rotor
   Remove the two caliper mounting bolts and slide the caliper off the rotor. Support the caliper with a wire or caliper hanger from the suspension or frame—do not let it hang by the brake hose. Remove the brake rotor by pulling it straight off the hub. If rotor is stuck, use penetrating oil and tap with dead blow hammer.
2. 2

   Remove ABS wheel speed sensor
   Disconnect the ABS wheel speed sensor electrical connector. Remove the ABS sensor mounting bolt and carefully pull the sensor straight out of the steering knuckle. Set aside in a clean area to prevent contamination.
   Torque spec

   ABS Sensor Bolt14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove axle nut and cotter pin
   Remove and discard the cotter pin from the axle nut (or unstake the nut if using staked type). With vehicle weight supported on jack stands and parking brake engaged, use a breaker bar or impact wrench to remove the 36mm axle nut. This nut requires significant torque to remove.
   ⚠Do not reuse the cotter pin. A new pin must be installed during reassembly.
   Torque spec

   Axle Nut250 Nm (184 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Separate hub assembly from steering knuckle
   Remove the four hub mounting bolts from the back side of the steering knuckle. These bolts pass through the knuckle into the hub assembly. Once removed, the hub assembly should separate from the knuckle. If stuck, tap gently with a dead blow hammer around the hub flange. Pull the hub assembly straight out, being careful not to damage the ABS tone ring.
   Torque spec

   Hub Bolts127 Nm (94 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Inspect hub and knuckle condition
   Thoroughly clean the hub bore in the steering knuckle with brake cleaner and a wire brush. Inspect the bore for scoring, pitting, or damage. Check the hub for any cracks or damage to the mounting flange and ABS tone ring. Replace the steering knuckle if the bore is damaged beyond cleaning.
6. 6

   Press out old bearing from hub
   Secure the hub assembly in the hydraulic press with proper support plates. The hub must be supported on the inner race of the bearing only. Position a bearing separator or pressing tool against the outer race. Apply steady pressure to press the hub out of the bearing inner race. If the inner race remains on the hub, use a bearing race puller or grinder to carefully remove it without damaging the hub.
   ⚠️Always wear safety glasses when using a hydraulic press. Support the hub properly to prevent it from falling or shifting during pressing.
7. 7

   Remove bearing races from knuckle
   If bearing races remain in the steering knuckle bore, use a bearing race puller set or carefully drive them out using a brass drift and hammer. Work around the race evenly to prevent cocking it in the bore. Once races are removed, clean the bore thoroughly with brake cleaner and inspect for any damage or burrs.
8. 8

   Install new bearing races into knuckle
   Place the new outer bearing race squarely into the steering knuckle bore. Using a bearing race driver of the correct size (or appropriate socket), drive the race evenly into the bore until it seats completely. Ensure the race is fully seated and square in the bore. Repeat for the inner race on the opposite side of the knuckle.
   ⚠The bearing race must be driven squarely into the bore. Cocking the race can damage both the race and the knuckle bore.
9. 9

   Pack bearing with grease and install
   Pack the new wheel bearing thoroughly with high-temperature wheel bearing grease. Work grease into all rollers and ensure the bearing is completely filled. Place the greased bearing into the steering knuckle between the installed races. The bearing should seat properly between both inner and outer races.
10. 10

    Press hub into new bearing
    Position the hub assembly into the hydraulic press. Support the steering knuckle on blocks so the hub can pass through freely. Align the hub shaft with the bearing inner race, ensuring it is perfectly square. Apply steady pressure to press the hub through the bearing inner race until the hub seats completely against the inner race. Do not press against the outer race or bearing cage—only press on the inner race.
    ⚠️Misalignment during pressing will destroy the new bearing. Ensure hub is perfectly square before applying pressure.
11. 11

    Install hub and knuckle assembly
    Position the hub and knuckle assembly back onto the vehicle, sliding the axle shaft through the hub. Align the hub mounting holes with the steering knuckle. Install the four hub bolts from the backside of the knuckle and tighten to specification in a crisscross pattern.
    Torque spec

    Hub Bolts127 Nm (94 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Install axle nut
    Install the axle nut onto the axle shaft and torque to specification. Install a new cotter pin through the castle nut and axle shaft, bending the pin ends to secure. If using a staked nut, stake the nut collar into the axle shaft groove using a punch.
    ⚠Always use a new cotter pin. Never reuse the old pin or omit the cotter pin installation.
    Torque spec

    Axle Nut250 Nm (184 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall ABS sensor and brake components
    Clean the ABS sensor tip and bore with brake cleaner. Apply a thin coat of anti-seize to the sensor body (not the tip). Install the sensor into the steering knuckle bore and tighten the mounting bolt to specification. Reconnect the electrical connector. Install the brake rotor onto the hub. Mount the brake caliper over the rotor and tighten the caliper mounting bolts to specification.
    Torque spec

    ABS Sensor Bolt14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Install wheel and lower vehicle
    Mount the wheel onto the hub and hand-thread all lug nuts. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground. Torque the lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts190 Nm (140 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Torque all fasteners to specification in the sequence provided
2. Ensure new cotter pin is properly installed and secured on axle nut
3. Verify ABS sensor is clean and properly seated before installation
4. Apply anti-seize compound to threads where appropriate to prevent future corrosion

Verification

• With vehicle on the ground, attempt to rock the wheel top-to-bottom and side-to-side to check for play—there should be no movement
• Spin the wheel by hand to verify smooth rotation with no grinding, binding, or unusual noise
• Test drive the vehicle at low speed in a safe area and verify no vibration, noise, or pulling
• After test drive, verify the hub area is not excessively hot (some warmth is normal during initial break-in)
• Check ABS warning light is off and ABS system functions properly during test drive
• Re-torque wheel lug nuts after 50-100 miles of driving

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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