Blew a wheel bearing in the truck. ....little help here.

[trapin]

Hey guys, wondering if anyone knows what is involved with changing out a wheel bearing on a 2002 Chevy Silverado. My drivers side bearing has play in it and as such I was unable to get the front end alignment done after purchasing new tires for it on Saturday. Belle Tire wants $368 to replace it but I wanna see if I can do it myself. Anyone know if there are any special tools needed for this. Also, where is a good place to source the part?

Thanks.

T.

[JMarsa]

Tony,

A random google search got me this:

http://www.am-autoparts.com/AM/Front-Wheel-Hubs/Chevrolet/Silverado/

You didn't mention if it's 1500 or 2500

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--JMarsa

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[68nate]

If it's 4 wheel drive you'll need a 36 mm socket to remove the axle nut. Very simple job, can be done in 20 minutes or so.

Any auto parts store, but don't buy the cheap chinese bearing if they offer it. I've seen several of these fail in short order.

[CarlC]

As noted above, if it's 4WD you will need the big wrench an perhaps a puller if it's splined and rusted. It it's 2wd it's a simple unbolt-rebolt deal.

Unitized hub systems make this changeout far easier than the cup/cone setups from the past for the average mechanic to repair..

[justasquid]

most of the time the axle will be slightly stuck in the spline of the hub. take the the axle nut loose and bring it almost to the end of the shaft, but leave the nut on the shaft with all of the threads still engaged on the shaft. then take a 2x4 and lay it across the shaft and nut, and hit the 2x4 with a good size hammer. 99 percent of the time, that will knock it loose.

Also, from past experience, I would stay far away from the local auto parts stores own brand wheel bearings and even from the oem ones at the dealership. The best bearings I have found were Timken. they cost a slight amount more, ( 20 bucks or so) but its well worth it as they last much longer. Also, resist the temptation to use an impact to re-install the nut on the shaft.

[CarlC]

It may say Timken on the box.......

[trapin]

My truck is a 1500 2WD. I read up on this on eHow and it seems pretty straight forward. Looks like I've found my weekend project for this Saturday.

I looked on Rock Auto and actually the Timken bearings were the cheapest with SKF slightly more. Then it was National and finally ACDELCO but the ACDELCO bearings look like they are for the speed sensor hubs (which I do not have). Leaning towards the National brand; Part #515054 for $165. Anyone know anything about them? Thanks.

Also, I do not have ABS on this truck.

[68nate]

National is the only way to go in my opinion, I've installed hundreds of them. Had poor luck with SKF (noisy out of the box, faulty sensors, etc.)

[Samckitt]

68nate, I need to do this too on my 1500HD (same as 2500 I think), where is National brand sold?

[68nate]

I usually use Oreilly Auto Parts, but I would think most any auto parts store would carry National Bearings.