Here's a general outline of the process. Remember to consult your repair manual for specifics and torque specifications:
1. Preparation:
* Safety First: Jack up the car securely using jack stands. Never work under a car 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, ball joint separator, pickle fork (or better yet, a ball joint press), hammer, large C-clamp (possibly), penetrating oil, a press (ideally), and possibly a hub bearing installer/remover tool. A repair manual will provide a more comprehensive list.
* Parts: Obtain the correct replacement hub bearing assembly for your Cavalier. Make sure you get the right one for your specific year and model, including wheel bearing type (ABS or non-ABS).
2. Removing the Wheel and Brake Components:
* Remove the wheel: Loosen the lug nuts before jacking up the car. Remove the wheel.
* Remove the caliper: Use a caliper bracket retaining bolt wrench to remove the caliper mounting bolts. Carefully hang the caliper out of the way using a wire or bungee cord to avoid straining the brake line.
* Remove the rotor: Depending on your Cavalier, the rotor might just slide off after removing the caliper, or it might require a few taps with a mallet. Be careful not to damage the rotor if you reuse it.
* Remove the cotter pin and castle nut: Use a socket and wrench to remove the castle nut securing the axle nut. Before loosening this, mark the relationship between the nut and the axle shaft to ensure correct reinstallation and alignment. This is crucial for wheel bearing functionality and correct wheel bearing preload.
3. Removing the Hub Assembly:
* Separate the ball joint: This is often the most challenging part. Use a ball joint separator or pickle fork to separate the lower ball joint from the control arm. A ball joint press is the preferred method to avoid damage.
* Remove the ABS sensor (if applicable): Carefully unplug the ABS sensor wire connector if your Cavalier has an ABS system.
* Remove the hub assembly: With the ball joint separated, the hub assembly should be able to be pressed off of the spindle. This may require a press or a large C-clamp and some ingenuity. It's sometimes held on by a few bolts which need to be removed first.
4. Installing the New Hub Assembly:
* Install the new hub assembly: Use a press (ideally) to press the new hub assembly onto the spindle. This is extremely important to avoid damaging the new bearing and ensuring proper seating. Improper installation is a common cause of premature bearing failure.
* Reinstall the other components: Reinstall the ABS sensor (if applicable), the rotor, the caliper, and the wheel in reverse order of removal. Thoroughly clean any mating surfaces to ensure a good seal.
* Torque specifications: Tighten the axle nut to the manufacturer's specified torque. This is vital for proper bearing preload. Use a torque wrench!
5. Final Steps:
* Lower the vehicle: Carefully lower the vehicle to the ground.
* Tighten lug nuts: Tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer's specified torque.
* Test drive: Test drive the vehicle to ensure the repair was successful. Listen for any unusual noises from the wheel.
Important Considerations:
* ABS sensor: If you have an ABS system, be very careful with the sensor. Damage to it can trigger ABS warning lights.
* Bearing Preload: Proper bearing preload is critical. Incorrect preload will lead to premature bearing failure.
* Torque Specifications: Always refer to your repair manual for the correct torque specifications for all fasteners.
* Professional Help: If you're not comfortable performing this repair yourself, take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic. This is a relatively complex repair with significant consequences if done incorrectly.
This is a simplified overview. Always consult a repair manual specific to your 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier before attempting this repair. Improper installation can lead to serious damage and safety hazards.
