Chevrolet Repair: Wheel bearing, slide hammer, air hammer

Question
Hi Mark,

I currently need to replace the wheel bearing on a 2000 Chevrolet S-10 Blazer LT 4x4 with the 4.3l motor.  The front passenger side bearing is badly in need of replacement and I was wondering what tools I would need to attempt this repair myself.  I talked to one mechanic that said I would probably need a slide hammer, which I do not have, but I was wondering if this tool was absolutely necessary. Any recommendations would be greatly. appreciated.

Thanks, Jim

Answer
Hi Jim, First I'll give you the tool list....36mm socket, 18mm swivel socket,18mm wrench, 10mm socket 19mm socket and a very large hammer...I use a 40 oz but you can use a smaller one. You will have to be very careful when you go to remove the axle from the bearing. I use a air hammer to drive the axle out of the bearing in the center part of the axle. You can damage the end of the axle if you hit it with the hammer. I have put a round end of a ball peins hammer in the end of the axle and hit it with another hammer so the axle didn't get messed up. To remove the bearing you will need to hit the part where the studs are.

Hope this helps

Have  a Nice Day

Mark