How to Replace the Front Wheel Bearings on a 1998 Grand Prix

Iskandar Blogger 2:23 PM

GM "W" body vehicles, like the 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix, use a front hub assembly that contains an integral wheel bearing set and wheel speed sensor. The hub assembly attaches to the steering knuckle and supports the weight of the vehicle during all driving conditions. When the wheel bearing or wheel speed sensor in this type of vehicle fails, the hub assembly needs replacing as a unit. Replacement of the hub assembly in the 1998 Grand Prix requires basic hand tools and a special hub puller available at most large auto parts stores.

Instructions

    1

    Block the rear wheels with wheel chocks and apply the parking brake. Loosen the front lug nuts 1/2 turn using the lug wrench. Lift the front of the Grand Prix until the wheels are off the ground by positioning a floor jack under the front subframe and lifting until jack stands fit under the subframe. Remove the wheels completely and lay them aside.

    2

    Place the punch between the edge of the axle nut and the groove in the axle. Hit the punch with a hammer to spread the edge of the axle nut out of the groove. Push the punch through the opening in the caliper and into the cooling fins of the brake rotor to lock the rotor in place. Remove the axle nut using a 32 mm socket and breaker bar.

    3

    Remove the brake caliper slide bolts using a 13 mm socket and ratchet. Lift the caliper up and off the brake rotor. Slide the brake rotor off the hub assembly. Unplug the wheel speed sensor wiring harness from the vehicle wiring harness and unclasp the sensor harness from the backing plate.

    4

    Remove the three 15 mm hub assembly nuts that attach the hub assembly to the steering knuckle using a socket, universal joint adapter, extension and ratchet. Attach the puller securely to three of the wheel studs using lug nuts. Turn the center shaft of the puller, using a 15 mm wrench, until the hub assembly slides off the axle and out of the steering knuckle.

    5

    Clean corrosion and dirt from the steering knuckle using a wire brush. Spray a light coat of penetrating oil onto the axle splines and the steering knuckle. Slide the new hub assembly onto the axle splines and into the steering knuckle. Start the hub assembly bolts and axle nut by hand. Torque the hub assembly bolts to 96 foot-pounds, and the axle nut to 150 foot-pounds, using a torque wrench

    6

    Reinstall the brake rotor and caliper. Torque the caliper slide bolts to 80 foot-pounds. Reinstall the wheel and torque the lug nuts to 100 foot-pounds. Lift the Grand Prix off the jack stands and lower the car to the ground. Pump the brake pedal a few times, to ensure the brake calipers fully expand, and test-drive the car.