Disclaimer: Improperly replacing wheel bearings can lead to serious safety hazards. If you're not comfortable performing this repair, take your truck to a qualified mechanic.
Tools You'll Likely Need:
* Jack and jack stands: Absolutely crucial for safety. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
* Wheel chocks: To secure the other wheels.
* Lug wrench: To remove the wheels.
* Impact wrench (highly recommended): Makes removing and installing nuts much easier. A breaker bar and sockets can be used as an alternative, but it's significantly harder.
* Sockets and wrenches: A variety of sizes will be needed depending on your truck.
* Hammer and punch: For removing and installing bearing races.
* Bearing packing grease: Use the type specified in your repair manual.
* New wheel bearings and seals: Order the correct parts for your specific truck.
* Penetrating oil (PB Blaster, etc.): To help loosen stubborn nuts and bolts.
* Clean rags or shop towels: To keep things clean.
* Torque wrench: Essential for tightening nuts and bolts to the correct specifications.
* Wheel bearing press (highly recommended): Makes removing and installing bearings much easier and safer than using a hammer and punch.
General Steps (These will vary significantly depending on your truck):
1. Safety First: Park on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and chock the wheels. Wear safety glasses.
2. Remove the Wheel and Tire: Loosen the lug nuts before jacking up the truck. Jack up the truck and securely support it with jack stands. Remove the lug nuts and the wheel.
3. Remove the Brake Caliper and Rotor (if applicable): This step varies depending on the truck's design. You may need to unbolt the caliper and hang it from the suspension using a wire or bungee cord to keep it out of the way. The rotor might need to be removed as well.
4. Remove the Hub Assembly: This often involves removing cotter pins, castle nuts, and potentially other components depending on your truck. This is where an impact wrench is extremely helpful.
5. Remove the Old Wheel Bearings: This is where a wheel bearing press is invaluable. If you don't have one, you'll need to carefully use a hammer and punch to remove the inner and outer races. This is delicate work and requires care to avoid damaging the hub or axle.
6. Clean and Inspect: Thoroughly clean the hub and axle housing. Inspect the axle for damage.
7. Install New Seals and Bearings: Install new seals (if applicable) first, followed by the new wheel bearings. Again, a wheel bearing press is strongly recommended here. Pack the new bearings with grease.
8. Reassemble: Reinstall the hub assembly, tightening all bolts and nuts to the manufacturer's specifications (using a torque wrench).
9. Reinstall Brake Rotor and Caliper: Put everything back together in reverse order of disassembly.
10. Reinstall the Wheel and Tire: Torque the lug nuts to the correct specification.
11. Lower the Vehicle: Lower the vehicle to the ground.
Critical Considerations:
* Repair Manual: Obtain a repair manual specific to your Chevy truck's year and model. This manual will provide detailed instructions and torque specifications.
* Parts: Ensure you order the correct parts for your specific truck.
* Torque Specifications: Using the incorrect torque can damage components or lead to failure. Always use a torque wrench and follow the specifications in your repair manual.
This is a very general outline. The specific steps and tools will vary significantly based on your truck's make, model, and year. Always refer to your vehicle's repair manual for detailed instructions. If you're unsure about any step, it's best to consult a professional mechanic. Working on wheel bearings incorrectly can lead to serious accidents.
