The Plymouth Acclaim was produced between 1989 and 1995. It came with one of four different transmission options and one of three different engine sizes: a 2.5 liter, a 2.5 liter turbo or a 3.0 liter engine. Despite these variations, the process for changing the front wheel bearings is the same for all of the Acclaim models. This process can be quite difficult, and especially depends on the wear on the steering knuckle; some components that need to come off may be frozen on. Expect to spend an afternoon changing a front wheel bearing.
Loosen the five lug nuts on the front driver's side wheel with your lug nut driver.
Set the jack behind the front driver's side wheel under the frame rail. Raise the jack until the wheel hangs off of the ground. Remove the lug nuts and pull off the wheel.
Loosen and remove the spindle nut at the center of the rotor with your socket wrench and extended ratchet. Connect the socket to a breaking bar for extra leverage if the nut does not budge.
Remove the two bolts from the rear of the caliper that secure the caliper to the rotor. Insert the chisel into the window of the caliper. Press the chisel against the rotor to pop the caliper off of the rotor. Hang the caliper from the strap or bungee and attach the strap or bungee to the strut.
Pull off the rotor from the axle rod spindle.
Remove the three bolts securing the wheel bearing to the steering wheel knuckle with your socket wrench and ratchet. Get behind the knuckle to access the bolts.
Pry the wheel bearing off of the steering knuckle with your chisel and mallet if it does not come off when the bolts are removed.
Pry out the seal surrounding the axle rod spindle with your chisel and mallet. Set it aside.
Sand the mating surface on the knuckle for the new wheel bearing seal and the new wheel bearing with medium-grit sandpaper. Spread grease over the mating surface.
Set the new seal from the wheel bearing package into the steering knuckle.
Set the new wheel bearing on the knuckle. Secure it in place with the three bolts removed earlier. Place the rotor back over the wheel bearing. Remount the spindle nut, brake caliper and wheel. Lower the Plymouth Acclaim.
Repeat Steps 1 through 11 for the front passenger side wheel bearing.
