Cadillac 457049 Wheel Bearing

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For front wheel bearings, it's typically necessary to inspect them when changing brake pads or when the front wheels are raised for any reason. To check, with the vehicle on jackstands, spin the wheel and assess noise, rolling resistance, and freeplay. Grab the tire's top and bottom, and if it moves more than 0.005 inches, inspect and repack or replace the bearings. To remove the bearings for replacement or repacking, remove the hub cap and wheel, followed by the caliper. Hang the caliper aside, pry out the dust cap, and remove the cotter pin and spindle nut. Pull the hub assembly to remove the outer bearing, and then take off the inner bearing and lip seal. Clean all components thoroughly, inspect for damage, and regrease the bearings. Install them, along with a new seal and cotter pin, adjust the spindle nut, and reinstall the dust cap, caliper, wheel, and hub cap. Finally, lower the vehicle and tighten the lug nuts.

Torque the lug nuts and axle nuts to specification and recheck for looseness. If the wheel bearing is worn or damaged, it should be replaced. If the wheel bearing is out of adjustment, adjust it to specification; if it remains loose, replacement is necessary.

Remove the spindle nut and washer, then pull the hub assembly out slightly and push it back to force the outer bearing off the spindle. Pull the hub off the spindle and use a screwdriver to pry the seal out of the rear of the hub, noting its installation.

Clean out the bearing recess.

Fabricate a wood block to keep the brake pads separated while removing the brake caliper and hang it aside.

The bearing recess should be cleaned out.

To disassemble the hub further, use a hammer and a long bar or drift punch to knock out the inner bearing, cup, and oil seal, then remove the outer retaining ring and knock the outer bearing and cup from the hub.

Remove the axleshaft and the oil seal.

In most cases, the front wheel bearings will not need servicing until the brake pads are changed, but they should be checked whenever the front of the vehicle is raised for any reason.

A bearing puller will be necessary, or a tool that engages behind the bearing may need to be fabricated. Additionally, a slide hammer can be attached to pull the bearing from the axle housing.