I. What You'll Need:
* Jack and jack stands: Essential for safety. Never work under a car supported only by a jack.
* Wheel chocks: To prevent the car from rolling.
* Lug wrench: To remove the wheel.
* Socket set and wrenches: Various sizes will be needed, depending on the specific fasteners on your car. Consult a repair manual for the correct sizes.
* Ball joint separator (pickle fork): Often needed to separate the ball joint from the steering knuckle. A ball joint press is preferable but more expensive.
* Hammer and punches: May be needed for various tasks.
* Wheel bearing press/removal tool: Highly recommended. This tool makes the job significantly easier and reduces the risk of damaging the new bearing. You can often rent these. Improvising can be risky and damage the new bearing.
* New wheel bearings: Ensure you get the correct part number for your specific 1994 Oldsmobile 88 model. A parts store can help with this. Often come pre-packed with a race and seal.
* New ABS sensor (if applicable): The ABS sensor may be integrated into the wheel bearing assembly. Replace this if necessary.
* Grease: High-quality wheel bearing grease.
* Repair manual: A Haynes or Chilton manual for your specific year and model is invaluable. It will provide detailed instructions and torque specifications. These are crucial for a safe and proper repair.
* Torque wrench: Absolutely essential for tightening bolts to the correct specifications. Incorrect torque can lead to premature failure or damage.
* Penetrating oil (PB Blaster or similar): To help loosen rusted or stuck bolts.
* Safety glasses and gloves: Always wear safety gear when working on your car.
II. General Steps (Consult your repair manual for precise details):
1. Safety First: Secure the vehicle on jack stands, engage the parking brake, and use wheel chocks.
2. Remove the Wheel: Remove the lug nuts and wheel.
3. Disconnect Brake Caliper: Remove the caliper and secure it out of the way (hang it from the suspension using wire or a bungee cord). You may need to loosen the brake line slightly.
4. Remove the Rotor: Remove the brake rotor (disc). It may require a few taps with a hammer and drift.
5. Disconnect Ball Joint: Separate the ball joint from the steering knuckle using a ball joint separator. Be careful not to damage the boot.
6. Remove the Steering Knuckle: Remove the nuts and bolts securing the steering knuckle to the spindle.
7. Remove the Old Wheel Bearing: This is where the wheel bearing press/removal tool is essential. Trying to remove it with brute force is likely to damage the bearing and potentially the hub assembly.
8. Clean the Hub: Thoroughly clean the hub assembly to remove any old grease and debris.
9. Install the New Wheel Bearing: Carefully install the new wheel bearing using the press tool. Follow the instructions provided with the new bearing.
10. Reassemble Everything: Reinstall the steering knuckle, brake rotor, caliper, and wheel in reverse order of removal.
11. Torque Specifications: Tighten all bolts and nuts to the proper torque specifications as listed in your repair manual. This is critical.
12. Test Drive: After reassembly, test drive the vehicle carefully to ensure everything is working correctly. Listen for any unusual noises.
III. Important Considerations:
* ABS Sensor: If your car has anti-lock brakes (ABS), the sensor may be integrated into the wheel bearing assembly. You'll need to replace the sensor if it's damaged or integrated with the bearing.
* Hub Assembly: In some cases, the entire hub assembly might need to be replaced instead of just the bearings. This is more common on higher mileage vehicles.
* Professional Help: If you are not comfortable performing this repair yourself, it's best to take your car to a qualified mechanic. Improperly installed wheel bearings can lead to serious safety hazards.
This is a simplified overview. Always consult a repair manual specific to your 1994 Oldsmobile 88 for detailed instructions, torque specifications, and diagrams. Working on your car can be dangerous if not done correctly. If you're unsure about any step, seek professional help.
