Corvette brake rotors can burn out with use, putting stress on the rear wheel hub. The replacement of the hub requires tools that the average Corvette owner doesn't have, such as a bearing puller, removal press, bearing setup tool and installation tool. On this car, it isn't necessary to remove the trailing arms to change the rear wheel hub as long as you have the right tools. The tools are relatively expensive, but with them, you can replace the rear wheel hub assembly in your driveway or garage.
Drive the Corvette onto a level surface, jack up the back end of the car and set blocks behind the wheels that are on the ground. Remove the tire and set aside the lug nuts. Unplug the antilock brakes, or ABS, sensor; the wire harness is directly behind the wheel.
Use a ratchet to unscrew the two bolts that secure the caliper and tie the caliper up and away from the brake assembly. Be careful not to pull on the caliper. To prevent the brake line from snapping off the caliper, suspend the caliper to reduce stress on the brake line.
Tap the rotor with a rubber hammer to loosen it for removal. Look for four cotter pins and a washer on the brake assembly. Remove the pins and the washer. Loosen the hub nut with a 36mm ratchet and remove it.
Find the half shaft and remove it along with the UJ straps. Use the ratchet and number all the suspension parts for easy reassembly. Remove the three Torx bolts behind the rotor with a ratchet.
Pull out the bearing with the bearing puller. You need to use a removal press along with the bearing puller. The whole rear wheel hub housing is being removed, not just the bearing.
Rub medium-grit sand paper inside the hub housing to remove corrosion and rust. Make sure the housing is clean of all debris before filling with grease and the new bearing. With the setup tool, you can reattach the rear wheel hub housing, making sure the three Torx bolts are tight. Use the installation tool to draw the bearing out from the back of the housing.
Put the half shaft back on with the UJ straps. These suspension parts need to go back on exactly as they were taken off. Grease the rear wheel hub assembly before screwing back on the hub nut for the housing. Use a ratchet to tighten the hub nut. Replace the rotor, the caliper and reconnect the ABS wiring along with new cotter pins.
Set the tire back on the lug bolts and tighten the lug nuts. Drive the Corvette back and forth before taking the car on the road for a test drive. Make sure the brakes work properly before you get on the highway.
