The 2001 Chevrolet Impala has two sets of hub and bearing assemblies -- one front and one rear. When these begin to malfunction, the entire hub must be replaced -- not just the bearing. When performing this repair, you must use the proper torque when tightening the nuts and bolts.
When replacing the front hub and bearing assembly, there are four components that require correct torque during reassembly: hub bolts, drive shaft nut, caliper bracket bolts and caliper bolts. The torque values required are: 96 foot-pounds, 159 foot-pounds. 137 foot-pounds and 63 foot-pounds, respectively.
The rear hub assembly has fewer components than the front that require proper torque. These components are: hub bolts, caliper bracket bolts and caliper bolts. These components require torque values of: 55 foot-pounds, 92 foot-pounds and 32 foot-pounds, respectively.
Before replacing a hub and bearing assembly, check that it needs replaced. If the free play, or movement, is greater that .005 inches, the hub and bearing assembly needs replaced. A tell tale sign of a worn bearing is feathered tire wear or a growling sound from the front of the Impala.
Torquing bolts to their proper specifications has three main purposes. The most important one is to keep the component secured in its proper location. Torque also ensures you will not strip the bolts threads by over-tightening and the bolt or nut will be easier to remove in the future.
