Here's a general outline of the process. This is NOT a comprehensive guide and specific steps may vary slightly depending on your vehicle's exact configuration. Always consult a repair manual specific to your 2004 Pontiac Grand Am for detailed instructions and torque specifications. A Haynes or Chilton manual is a good investment.
Tools You'll Likely Need:
* Jack and jack stands: Essential for safely lifting the vehicle. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
* Wheel chocks: To prevent the car from rolling.
* Lug wrench: To remove the wheel.
* Torque wrench: Crucial for tightening bolts to the correct specifications.
* Socket set and wrenches: Various sizes will be needed.
* Ball joint separator: To separate the ball joint from the control arm.
* Tie rod separator: To separate the tie rod end from the steering knuckle.
* Hammer and punch: Possibly needed to help break things loose.
* Penetrating oil (like PB Blaster): To help loosen rusted or seized components.
* New wheel bearing: Get the correct part number for your specific vehicle.
* Bearing packing grease: This is often included with the new bearing, but double-check.
* A press (or strong, sturdy vice): You'll likely need a press to remove and install the bearing. This is a specialized tool that many DIYers don't have.
General Steps (This is a simplified overview – consult your repair manual for details):
1. Safety First: Park on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and use wheel chocks. Wear safety glasses.
2. Raise and Secure: Jack up the front of the car and securely support it with jack stands.
3. Remove Wheel: Remove the lug nuts and wheel.
4. Disconnect Brake Caliper: Remove the caliper and hang it safely out of the way (use a wire or bungee cord to prevent it from dangling by the brake line).
5. Disconnect ABS Sensor (If Applicable): Carefully disconnect the ABS sensor wire if present.
6. Disconnect Tie Rod End: Use a tie rod separator to separate the tie rod end from the steering knuckle. Mark the location of the tie rod and knuckle for proper reassembly.
7. Disconnect Ball Joint: Use a ball joint separator to separate the ball joint from the control arm. Again, mark the location for reassembly.
8. Remove the Hub Assembly/Knuckle: Depending on your Grand Am's design, this might involve removing several bolts.
9. Press Out Old Bearing: This is where the press is crucial. You'll need to carefully press the old bearing out of the hub assembly. This step is often the most challenging for the home mechanic.
10. Press In New Bearing: Use the press to carefully install the new bearing into the hub assembly. Make sure it's seated properly and flush.
11. Pack Bearing with Grease: Pack the new bearing with the appropriate grease.
12. Reassembly: Reassemble everything in reverse order, carefully following the steps you took to disassemble it. Pay close attention to the markings you made for the tie rod and ball joint.
13. Torque Specifications: Use a torque wrench to tighten all bolts to the manufacturer's specified torque settings (found in your repair manual).
14. Lower Vehicle: Carefully lower the vehicle.
15. Test Drive: Before driving, carefully check all connections. Then, take a short test drive to ensure everything is working correctly.
Important Considerations:
* Press: The press is the most specialized and potentially expensive tool required. Consider borrowing one from a friend, renting one, or taking the job to a mechanic if you don't own one.
* Accuracy: Be meticulous and precise in your work. Improperly installed bearings can lead to serious problems.
* Repair Manual: A repair manual specific to your 2004 Pontiac Grand Am is invaluable. It provides detailed instructions, diagrams, and torque specifications.
Remember, this is a simplified overview. Always consult your repair manual for precise instructions and torque specifications. If you are not comfortable performing this repair, take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic. A poorly done wheel bearing replacement can be dangerous.
