A wheel bearing performs two important functions -- it allows the wheel to spin freely on the axle and also bears the vehicle's weight. When a wheel bearing wears out you may notice vibration in the steering, or hear grinding as metal rubs against metal. A wheel bearing is sealed for life, so when one wears out it needs to be replaced as a unit with the wheel hub. Replacing the front wheel bearing on a two-wheel drive Chevrolet Suburban is a fairly simple and straightforward task.
Loosen the lug nuts on the wheel with a tire iron, then raise the front of the vehicle with a jack. Chock the rear wheels, then slowly lower the Suburban to rest on jack stands; the wheel you are working on should be approximately three inches off the ground. Remove the lug nuts and the wheel.
Spray the brake assembly and rotor with brake parts cleaner to remove the dust and dirt; place a shallow container beneath the assembly to collect the residue. Do not breathe the brake dust in -- it contains asbestos.
Remove the two brake caliper mounting bolts from behind the caliper, then slide the caliper off the mounting bracket and over the rotor. Suspend the caliper from the frame of the Suburban with a piece of wire or bungee cord -- do not stretch or strain the rubber brake line.
Remove the bolts that secure the caliper mounting bracket, then lift it up and off the assembly.
Grab the brake rotor with both hands, then pull it toward you over the lug bolts and off the hub.
Remove the Allen head screw that secures the ABS wheel speed sensor to the hub with an Allen head wrench. Once the screw is removed, pull the sensor straight out of the hub by hand.
Reach around behind the steering knuckle and remove the three hub and bearing assembly retaining bolts with a socket wrench. Remove the disc shield.
Pull the hub and bearing assembly out from the steering knuckle.
Clean the mating surfaces of the steering knuckle and bearing flange with a shop rag. Insert the new hub and bearing assembly over the axle and into the steering knuckle.
Replace the disc shield. Install the hub and bearing assembly retaining bolts, and tighten them evenly to 133 foot-pounds with a torque wrench.
Insert the ABS wheel speed sensor into the hole in the hub, and tighten the screw to 156 inch-pounds with an Allen head socket attached to a torque wrench.
Install the brake rotor over the lug bolts and slide it onto the hub. Replace the caliper mounting bracket and tighten the retaining bolts with a torque wrench to 129 foot-pounds for models 1999 through 2004, or 133 foot-pounds for models 2005 or later. Slide the caliper over the rotor and onto the mounting bracket; tighten the retaining bolts to 80 foot-pounds with a torque wrench.
Replace the wheel and tighten the lug nuts to 140 foot-pounds. Lower the vehicle to the ground and move on to the next wheel.
