Here's a general overview of the process. Remember, this is a simplified guide and might not cover every detail specific to your Alero:
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), a ball joint separator, a pickle fork (use cautiously!), a hammer, a press (or large clamps – not ideal), a torque wrench, penetrating oil (like PB Blaster), grease, and potentially a hub nut socket (this can be specialized). Your repair manual will give you the specific socket sizes needed.
* Inspect: Before starting, inspect the wheel bearing for damage. If the damage is extensive (beyond the bearing itself), you might need to replace other parts.
2. Wheel Removal:
* Loosen Lug Nuts: Loosen the lug nuts on the wheel before jacking up the car.
* Jack and Support: Safely jack up the car and place it securely on jack stands.
* Remove Wheel: Remove the wheel and tire assembly.
3. Brake Caliper and Rotor Removal:
* Remove Caliper: Depending on the Alero's brake setup, you might need to remove the caliper. Usually, you can compress the caliper piston and either hang it from the suspension or use a caliper bracket holder to keep it out of the way. Use a proper caliper compression tool to avoid damage.
* Remove Rotor: The rotor (brake disc) will likely need to be removed to access the hub and bearing.
4. Hub and Bearing Removal:
* Disconnect ABS Sensor (if applicable): Disconnect the ABS sensor wire from the hub assembly if equipped.
* Remove Hub Nut: This is often a large nut that requires significant torque to remove. Use a breaker bar and a suitable socket. Penetrating oil may be necessary. Note: The hub nut will likely be very tight, and it's crucial to hold the rotor or hub in place (or use a hub nut socket) while loosening to prevent damage.
* Separate Hub from Knuckle: This is the most challenging part. You may need to use a ball joint separator to separate the ball joint from the control arm (following your repair manual carefully). A pickle fork can work but risks damaging the ball joint.
* Press out the Bearing: Use a press to remove the old bearing from the hub assembly. This is essential to avoid damaging the new bearing. If you don't have a press, using large clamps is possible but more risky.
5. Installation:
* Press in the New Bearing: Use the press to carefully press the new bearing into the hub. Ensure it's seated properly and evenly.
* Reassembly: Reassemble everything in reverse order of removal. Lubricate as needed (consult your manual).
* Torque Specifications: Use the correct torque specifications for all nuts and bolts from your repair manual. This is critical for safety.
* Test: After reassembly, carefully test the wheel for smooth rotation and listen for any unusual noises.
Important Considerations:
* ABS Sensor: Be careful with the ABS sensor, as it's fragile.
* Torque Specifications: Adhering to the proper torque values is crucial. Using a torque wrench is mandatory.
* Press: Using a press is highly recommended for both removal and installation of the bearing to prevent damage.
* Repair Manual: This is absolutely essential for detailed instructions and torque specifications.
This is a complex procedure. If you are uncomfortable with any aspect of this repair, take your Alero to a qualified mechanic. A wrongly installed wheel bearing can lead to loss of control and serious accidents.
