Replacing a front wheel bearing on your 1998 Chevy Blazer involves disassembling the wheel hub and removing the old bearing before installing a new one. Although it may seem like a daunting task, with proper tools and knowledge, you can complete the repair in a few hours. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
Tools and Materials Needed:
- Jack and jack stands
- Lug wrench
- Socket set (metric and standard)
- Flat-head screwdriver
- Pry bar
- Grease gun
- New front wheel bearing (matching your vehicle's specifications)
- Seal remover tool (optional)
Step 1: Safety First
- Park your Blazer on a level surface and apply the parking brake.
- Loosen the lug nuts on the affected front wheel but don't remove them completely.
Step 2: Elevate the Vehicle
- Use the jack to lift the front of the Blazer until the affected wheel is off the ground.
- Securely place jack stands under the vehicle to support its weight.
Step 3: Disconnect Brake Caliper
- Remove the lug nuts and take off the front wheel.
- Locate the brake caliper.
- Remove the caliper mounting bolts and carefully hang the caliper with a piece of wire to prevent it from hanging on the brake hose.
Step 4: Remove the Brake Disc
- Use a flat-head screwdriver to pry off the brake disc dust cover.
- Unscrew the brake disc mounting bolts and slide off the brake disc.
Step 5: Access the Wheel Bearing
- Use a pry bar to carefully pry off the wheel bearing dust cap.
Step 6: Remove the Wheel Bearing
- Remove the cotter pin securing the castle nut.
- Unscrew the castle nut with a wrench.
- Use a pry bar or puller tool to remove the wheel bearing from the spindle.
Step 7: Clean and Inspect
- Clean the bearing bore and surrounding areas of any dirt or debris.
- Inspect the bearing seat and spindle for any damage or wear.
Step 8: Install the New Bearing
- Apply a thin layer of grease to the new wheel bearing.
- Seat the new bearing into the bearing bore, ensuring it's properly seated.
Step 9: Reinstall Components
- Replace the castle nut, cotter pin, brake disc, brake caliper, and wheel.
Step 10: Final Checks
- Double-check that all bolts and nuts are properly tightened.
- Lower the vehicle from the jack stands and put the wheel lug nuts on loosely.
Step 11: Lower the Vehicle
- Carefully lower the vehicle until it's back on the ground.
- Tighten the lug nuts fully in a star pattern.
Step 12: Test the Repair
- Take the Blazer for a test drive to ensure that the wheel bearing replacement was successful.
Total Estimated Time:
Replacing the front wheel bearing on a 1998 Chevy Blazer should take approximately 2-3 hours. However, this time can vary depending on your skill level and whether you encounter any unexpected issues during the process.
