Topic: Wheel bearing/hub removal question

[Rockchops]

Hey guys. Had a bad wheel bearing on the front right so I am in the midst of replacing. I've got everything off (including the 3 retaining bolts) but it is stuck on the spindle. From what I've read it should pop right out, no puller needed, correct? Been soaking in PB and been whaling on it with a 4lb dead blow hammer and still nothing.


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[TomatoSoup]

Correct.  Must be rusted tight. Leave the PB on for a while and try again.

[2kwk4u]

Good luck.  I haven't replaced one on my Solstice yet, but if it's anything like the ones on my Saturn VUE, you're dealing with a steel hub in an aluminum knuckle (spindle).  Those two metals in direct contact typically corrode together in such a way that they practically weld themselves.  I've had to remove the whole assembly and put it on a press to pop them free.  When I helped my neighbor do his, we removed the whole assembly and blocked it up with scrap wood, then wailed on it with a sledge (with a mini-sledge resting on the center of the hub as a good target for the full-size sledge). 

You might want to cut to the chase and just pull the whole knuckle.  Take it to a shop or a friend that has a hydraulic press.

[Rockchops]

I got it after some rough persuasion. Turned the steering full lock and used the BFH on the back side of the hub. It took a lot of force. Other than that it was a breeze. Put some anti seize on it before popping the new one in. Need to reset the abs and Ecs but otherwise good to go.


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[Kelu]

I have the opposite experience with those bolts in front, they came loose on their own. I have to drive about 150 miles in the dark with a wobbling wheel and almost no brakes.

[Sol Asylum]

I've driven on some of those Romanian roads, how could you tell you had a wobble?

[Rockchops]

I have the opposite experience with those bolts in front, they came loose on their own. I have to drive about 150 miles in the dark with a wobbling wheel and almost no brakes.

The bolts came out without too much trouble, it was all the hub corroded to the spindle. I imagine some heat would have also set it free a little easier.


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[Rockchops]

One more question...after installing the new bearing the abs and Ecs are disabled. I figured driving around a while or disconnecting the battery would reset them (it has not). Am I missing something or likely just a bad part?


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[2kwk4u]

I'll answer your question with a silly question.  Are you sure you plugged the sensor in when you replaced the hub?  Check the terminals to see if they're corroded. 

[Rockchops]

I'll answer your question with a silly question.  Are you sure you plugged the sensor in when you replaced the hub?  Check the terminals to see if they're corroded.

Yup, also made sure the plug was snug and fully in there yesterday before and after the reset. Didn't see any corrosion on the terminals, the boots seem to work surprisingly well.


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[2kwk4u]

I don't suppose you have an ABS sensor pinpoint tester, do ya?



You know... one of those things everyone has laying in their toolbox.

[Rockchops]

I didn't get anything from a multimeter when I tested it (not sure what should be coming back) but I ended up just getting a replacement part and will send the old one back.


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[TomatoSoup]

Here's a good article on sensors and testing.  Ours are (2-wire) magnetic sensors, so you only need to read page 1 and half of page 2... http://www.autoserviceprofessional.com/article/91902/scoping-out-abs-wheel-speed-sensors-what-could-go-wrong

[Rockchops]

Got a replacement hub bearing sensor assembly...put it in and all is better. Replacing a brand new part is always so much easier. Took 10 mins! No complaints.


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