How to replace a wheel bearing — Chevrolet Silverado 1500 2020

Tools you'll need

• Floor jack and jack stands
• Lug wrench
• 36 mm axle nut socket
• Breaker bar
• 15 mm and 18 mm sockets
• Torque wrench
• Hammer
• Wire brush
• Bungee cord

Parts you'll need

• New front hub assembly with bearing
• New axle nut
• Brake cleaner

Steps

1. Loosen the lug nuts and axle nut on the groundPark on a flat surface, set the parking brake, and chock the rear wheels. While the front wheel is still on the ground, break the lug nuts loose a half turn and crack the big axle nut loose with a breaker bar. Do not remove them yet.
   Tip: The axle nut is torqued very tight. Breaking it loose with the wheel on the ground keeps the wheel from spinning.
2. Raise the truck and remove the wheelLift the front of the truck with a floor jack and set it on jack stands. Remove the lug nuts and take the wheel off.
3. Remove the caliper and rotorRemove the two caliper bolts and hang the caliper from the suspension with a bungee cord. Slide the brake rotor off the hub and set it aside.
4. Unplug the ABS sensor wireUnplug the ABS sensor wire from the hub and free it from its clips. The sensor is fragile, so pull the plug, not the wire.
5. Remove the axle nut and free the axle shaftRemove the axle nut completely, then push the axle shaft inward through the hub so it is free. You may need a soft tap with a hammer on the end of the axle to break it loose from the hub splines.
   Tip: Do not hit the axle threads directly. Thread the nut on flush first and tap on the nut to protect the threads.
6. Unbolt the hub assembly and tap it freeRemove the three or four bolts holding the hub assembly to the steering knuckle from behind. Then tap the hub with a hammer until it breaks free of the knuckle and pull it off.
   Tip: Rust can glue the hub to the knuckle. A few firm taps around the edge usually break it loose.
7. Install the new hub assemblyClean the knuckle surface with a wire brush. Set the new hub assembly in place, start its bolts by hand, and tighten them to about 96 ft-lb. Slide the axle shaft back through the hub and fit the new axle nut.
8. Refit the brakes and wheel, torque the axle nut, and test driveReconnect the ABS sensor wire, refit the rotor and caliper, and put the wheel back on. Lower the truck to the ground, then torque the axle nut to about 177 ft-lb and the lug nuts to spec. Take a test drive and listen for the grinding or humming noise that the old bearing made; it should be gone.
   Tip: Always use a new axle nut. The old one is a one-time-use lock nut.

Safety first

A wheel bearing holds your wheel on, so this job has to be done right. Use jack stands and never work under a car held up by a jack alone. Torque the axle nut to spec; a loose axle nut can let the hub come apart. If you are not confident, have a qualified technician do this job.