Here's a general overview of the steps involved. Remember, *always consult your repair manual*:
1. Preparation:
* Safety First: Jack up the vehicle securely using jack stands. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack. Disconnect the negative battery terminal.
* Gather Tools: You'll need a jack, jack stands, wheel chocks, lug wrench, socket set (metric), torque wrench, pry bar, hammer, penetrating oil, grease, possibly a bearing separator/installer tool, and a wheel bearing packing tool (if repacking). A repair manual is ESSENTIAL.
* Identify the Bearing Type: Chevy Ventures may use different types of wheel bearings (sealed unit or serviceable). Your repair manual will show you which type your Venture has. Replacing a sealed unit is simpler than repacking a serviceable one.
2. Remove the Wheel and Brake Caliper:
* Loosen the lug nuts before jacking up the vehicle.
* Remove the wheel.
* Remove the brake caliper (usually involves removing a bolt or two and possibly disconnecting a brake line – be prepared to support the caliper). Carefully support the caliper to prevent stressing the brake hose.
3. Remove the Rotor (Disc Brake):
* Depending on your model, the rotor may be held on with bolts or a retaining nut. Remove them. If it's stuck, gently tap it with a hammer.
4. Remove the Hub Assembly:
* This is where it gets tricky and varies by year and model. You'll likely need to remove cotter pins, nuts, and possibly other components to separate the hub assembly from the knuckle. The repair manual will guide you on the specific components and their removal sequence. Penetrating oil may be your best friend here.
5. Remove the Wheel Bearing:
* Sealed Unit: Once the hub assembly is off, the wheel bearing is usually part of the assembly and needs to be replaced as a complete unit.
* Serviceable Bearing: If you have a serviceable bearing, you'll need to carefully remove the bearing races and the bearing itself using appropriate tools (bearing puller and installer). You'll also need to repack it with grease.
6. Installation:
* This process is the reverse of the removal process. Pay close attention to the order of assembly and torque specifications. Using the wrong torque can severely damage components.
* Sealed Unit: Press the new sealed bearing into the hub assembly.
* Serviceable Bearing: Carefully install the new bearing races and bearing using the appropriate tools. Pack with grease.
* Properly torque all fasteners to the manufacturer's specifications.
7. Reassembly:
* Reinstall the rotor.
* Reinstall the caliper.
* Reinstall the wheel and tighten the lug nuts to the proper torque.
8. Final Check:
* Lower the vehicle.
* Test drive the vehicle carefully to check for any unusual noises or vibrations.
Important Considerations:
* Torque Specifications: Incorrect torque is a major cause of premature bearing failure. Use a torque wrench and consult your repair manual for the correct values.
* Safety: Always use jack stands, chocks, and safety glasses.
* Repair Manual: This is absolutely crucial. It provides detailed diagrams and torque specifications specific to your vehicle.
If you're not comfortable performing this repair, take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic. Improperly installed wheel bearings can lead to serious accidents.
