Tools You'll Likely Need:
* Jack and jack stands: Essential for safety. Never work under a car 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 specification. Improper torque can damage components.
* Socket set: Various sizes, including those for the axle nut, caliper mounting bolts, and hub assembly bolts.
* Hammer: Possibly needed to break loose stubborn parts.
* Pry bar: Might be helpful for separating components.
* Penetrating oil (like PB Blaster): Soak any rusty or seized fasteners beforehand.
* Wheel bearing press (or suitable alternatives): This is almost always necessary for safely removing and installing the hub assembly. Improvised methods are risky and can damage the hub or axle.
* Clean rags or shop towels: Keep things clean.
* New front wheel bearing hub assembly: Make sure to get the correct part for your specific vehicle.
* New axle nut: These are often considered single-use components and should be replaced.
* Caliper compression tool: To retract the caliper piston. This allows you to remove the caliper without damaging the brake line.
* Safety glasses and gloves: Protect yourself.
General Steps (Consult your repair manual for specifics):
1. Safety First: Park on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and use wheel chocks.
2. Raise and Secure the Vehicle: Safely jack up the vehicle and place it securely on jack stands.
3. Remove the Wheel: Remove the wheel using your lug wrench.
4. Remove the Brake Caliper: Use a caliper compression tool to retract the caliper piston. Then, carefully remove the caliper and hang it securely out of the way using a bungee cord or wire. Be careful not to damage the brake line.
5. Remove the Rotor (if applicable): Some designs have the rotor directly bolted to the hub, while others have the rotor separate. Consult your repair manual. You may need to remove some bolts securing the rotor.
6. Remove the Axle Nut: This is usually very large and may require a breaker bar or impact wrench. Apply penetrating oil well in advance.
7. Disconnect the ABS Sensor (if applicable): Disconnect the ABS sensor wire from the hub assembly.
8. Remove the Hub Assembly: This is the most challenging part. You will almost certainly need a wheel bearing press or other specialized tools to remove the old hub assembly from the spindle. Improvising can damage the spindle or hub.
9. Install the New Hub Assembly: Use the wheel bearing press to carefully install the new hub assembly onto the spindle. Ensure it is seated correctly.
10. Tighten the Axle Nut: Tighten the axle nut to the manufacturer's specified torque. This is critical; use your torque wrench.
11. Reconnect the ABS Sensor (if applicable): Reconnect the ABS sensor.
12. Reinstall the Rotor (if applicable): Reinstall the rotor and tighten the bolts to the correct torque.
13. Reinstall the Brake Caliper: Reinstall the brake caliper and secure it with the mounting bolts. Bleed the brakes after reinstallation if needed (consult your manual).
14. Reinstall the Wheel: Reinstall the wheel and tighten the lug nuts to the proper torque.
15. Lower the Vehicle: Carefully lower the vehicle.
16. Test Drive: After the repair, test drive the vehicle and check for unusual noises or vibrations.
Important Considerations:
* Wheel Bearing Press: Investing in, or borrowing, a wheel bearing press is strongly recommended.
* Torque Specifications: Always refer to your repair manual for the correct torque specifications for all fasteners.
* ABS Sensor: Be careful with the ABS sensor; damaging it can cause problems with your anti-lock braking system.
* Professional Help: If you are not comfortable performing this repair yourself, take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic.
This is a simplified overview. Always consult your repair manual for detailed instructions and torque specifications specific to your 2001 Buick Regal LS. Failure to do so could result in damage to your vehicle or personal injury.
