Here's a general overview of the steps involved:
1. Preparation:
* Safety First: Jack up the Blazer securely using jack stands. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack. Disconnect the negative battery terminal.
* Gather Tools and Parts: You'll need a jack, jack stands, lug wrench, wheel chocks, socket set (metric), torque wrench, ball joint separator (or pickle fork – but a separator is less likely to damage components), hammer, pry bar, grease gun, new wheel bearing (including race, seal, and possibly ABS sensor depending on your Blazer's configuration), and possibly a wheel bearing press (rentable). A repair manual is crucial.
* Identify the Correct Bearing: Ensure you have the correct wheel bearing for your specific Blazer model (2WD or 4WD will make a difference).
2. Removing the Wheel and Brake Components:
* Remove the Wheel: Loosen the lug nuts before jacking up the vehicle. Remove the wheel.
* Remove the Brake Caliper: Unbolt the caliper and hang it from the suspension using a wire or bungee cord to avoid putting tension on the brake line.
* Remove the Rotor (or Drum): If you have disc brakes, remove the rotor. If you have drum brakes, remove the drum. This may require some persuasion.
* Disconnect ABS Sensor (if applicable): Carefully disconnect the ABS sensor if your Blazer is equipped with ABS.
3. Removing the Hub Assembly:
* Remove the cotter pin and castle nut: This is typically a large nut on the end of the axle.
* Remove the hub assembly: This is often the most challenging part. You might need to use a ball joint separator or pickle fork to separate the ball joint from the steering knuckle. Be careful not to damage the ball joint. Once separated, the hub assembly should come off.
4. Removing the Old Wheel Bearing:
* This is where a wheel bearing press is highly recommended. Trying to remove the bearing without one can damage the hub. The press will allow you to carefully press out the old bearing. If you don't have access to a press, this step becomes significantly more difficult and risky. Improvised methods exist, but they are less reliable and may damage parts.
5. Installing the New Wheel Bearing:
* Use the wheel bearing press to carefully press the new bearing into the hub assembly. Make sure it seats correctly.
6. Reassembly:
* Install the hub assembly, ensuring everything is properly aligned.
* Reconnect the ABS sensor (if applicable).
* Reinstall the rotor or drum.
* Reinstall the brake caliper.
* Reinstall the wheel and tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer's specified torque.
7. Final Steps:
* Lower the vehicle.
* Torque the lug nuts to the proper specification (consult your repair manual).
* Test drive the vehicle and check for any unusual noises or vibrations. If you hear any grinding or unusual sounds, the bearing may not have been installed correctly.
Important Considerations:
* This is a simplified overview. Consult a repair manual specific to your 2000 Chevy Blazer for detailed instructions and torque specifications. Incorrect torque can lead to premature bearing failure.
* If you are not comfortable performing this repair yourself, take your Blazer to a qualified mechanic. Improperly installed wheel bearings can be extremely dangerous.
* Consider replacing both wheel bearings on the same axle at the same time. This is often recommended to ensure balanced performance.
This information is for guidance only. Always refer to a professional repair manual for your specific vehicle before attempting this repair. Safety should be your top priority.
