The front wheel bearing on the 2002 Oldsmobile Silhouette is sealed within the hub assembly, so to replace the wheel bearing, the whole hub must be replaced. Replacing the wheel hub requires removing the the front constant velocity shaft from that hub. When replacing the hub bearing it is necessary to replace the hub mounting bolts and the lug nuts that hold the wheel to the hub.
Loosen the lug nuts for the wheel and hub to be replaced with the lug wrench. Lift the vehicle with the floor jack and place the jack stands under the vehicle's front frame rails. Lower the floor jack until the vehicle rests securely on the jack stands.
Remove the lug nuts securing the wheel to the vehicle. Remove the wheel from the vehicle.
Unplug the wheel speed sensor wiring harness from the wheel speed sensor pigtail. Remove the wheel speed sensor pigtail from the bracket by lifting on the metal clip and sliding it off the bracket.
Remove the two bolts securing the caliper bracket to the steering knuckle. Slide the caliper and caliper bracket off the rotor and hang it from the suspension with mechanics wire. Do not let the caliper pull or stretch the rubber brake hose.
Slide the brake rotor off the wheel hub and set it aside.
Remove the front spindle nut from the wheel hub and CV shaft with the socket and breaker bar.
Attach the spindle removal tool onto the wheel hub by placing it over three of the wheel studs. Install the old lug nuts onto the wheel studs and tighten them until the tool is securely mounted on the wheel hub. Tighten the push bolt to slowly push the CV shaft out of the wheel hub. Remove the lug nuts and remove the spindle removal tool from the hub.
Loosen the three wheel hub mounting bolts on the back of the steering knuckle until they are about halfway out. Tap the bolts one at a time with a hammer until the hub is released from the steering knuckle. Remove the wheel hub bolts and discard them.
Remove the wheel hub and metal bracket from the vehicle and discard them. Inspect the CV shaft for any damage to the out boot and replace as necessary.
Set the new wheel hub onto the steering knuckle. Guide the CV shaft into the wheel hub, make sure the splines line up correctly to prevent damage to the hub or shaft. Install three new hub bolts through the back of the steering knuckle and tighten to 96 foot-pounds with the torque wrench.
Install the CV shaft retaining nut and tighten to 118 foot-pounds of torque with the torque wrench.
Set the brake rotor onto the new wheel hub. Be careful not to drag it across the wheel studs. Slide the caliper and caliper bracket on the brake rotor and install the caliper bracket bolts. Tighten the bracket bolts to 137 foot-pounds with the torque wrench.
Slide the wheel speed sensor pigtail onto the holding bracket, it will clip into place when properly installed to the bracket. Connect the wheel speed sensor wiring harness to the wheel speed sensor pigtail.
Place the wheel and tire onto the vehicle and hand-tighten the lug nuts. Lift the vehicle off the jack stands with the floor jack and remove the jack stands. Lower the vehicle to the ground. Tighten the wheel lug nuts to 100 foot-pounds with the torque wrench.
