🔧 Front Wheel Bearing - Hub Assembly Replacement

On your Equinox, the front wheel bearing is part of a bolt-on hub assembly. The job is to remove the wheel, brake parts, axle nut, and hub bolts, then press the old assembly out as a unit and install the new one. Replace both sides one at a time so the suspension stays together and easy to reassemble.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 3-5 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Support the vehicle with jack stands; never work under a car held up only by a jack.
• Use wheel chocks on the opposite wheels so the vehicle cannot roll.
• The axle nut is very tight. Keep the vehicle on the ground until you break it loose.
• Do not let the brake caliper hang by the hose. Support it with wire or a hook.
• If equipped, avoid pulling on the ABS sensor wire when removing the hub.
• No battery disconnect is normally required for this repair.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands
• Wheel chocks
• Breaker bar
• 36mm axle nut socket
• 1/2-inch drive ratchet
• Torque wrench
• 15mm socket
• 18mm socket
• 21mm socket
• Torx T30 screwdriver
• Flat blade screwdriver
• Rubber mallet
• Penetrating oil
• Bungee cord or mechanic's wire
• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Front wheel bearing hub assembly - Qty: 2
• Front axle nut - Qty: 2
• Front hub mounting bolts - Qty: 6

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Loosen the front axle nut before lifting the vehicle.
• Break the wheel lug nuts loose before raising the vehicle.
• Replace one side at a time so you can compare the parts and orientation.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Loosen the axle nut and lug nuts

• Use the 36mm axle nut socket and breaker bar to loosen the axle nut while the wheel is still on the ground.
• Use the lug wrench or 21mm socket to loosen the wheel lug nuts.
• Do not remove them yet.

Step 2: Lift and support the vehicle

• Use the floor jack to raise the front of the vehicle.
• Set the vehicle on jack stands and make sure it is stable.
• Remove the wheel.

Step 3: Remove the brake caliper and rotor

• Use the 18mm socket to remove the brake caliper bracket bolts.
• Lift the caliper and bracket off as an assembly, then support it with bungee cord or mechanic's wire.
• Remove the brake rotor by hand. If stuck, tap it gently with a rubber mallet.
• Do not stretch the brake hose.

Step 4: Remove the axle nut and disconnect the knuckle from the axle

• Use the 36mm axle nut socket to remove the axle nut.
• If the axle splines are stuck in the hub, thread the nut on a few turns and tap the axle gently with a rubber mallet.
• Do not hit the axle directly with a steel hammer.

Step 5: Remove the wheel speed sensor if needed

• Follow the sensor wire and unplug the connector carefully.
• Use the Torx T30 screwdriver to remove the ABS/wheel speed sensor fastener if it blocks hub removal.
• Keep the sensor clean and dry.

Step 6: Remove the hub assembly bolts

• Use the 15mm socket to remove the three hub mounting bolts from the back of the steering knuckle.
• Spray penetrating oil if the bolts are rusty.
• Pull the hub straight out of the knuckle.

Step 7: Install the new hub assembly

• Clean the knuckle mounting surface with a wire brush and shop rag.
• Position the new hub assembly into place.
• Use the 15mm socket to install the hub bolts.
• Torque the hub bolts to factory specification.

Step 8: Reinstall the axle nut, rotor, and brakes

• Slide the axle fully into the new hub.
• Install a new axle nut by hand.
• Reinstall the rotor.
• Reinstall the caliper bracket with the 18mm socket.
• Torque all fasteners to factory specification.

Step 9: Reinstall the wheel and finish the other side

• Install the wheel and snug the lug nuts by hand.
• Lower the vehicle and torque the lug nuts in a star pattern with the torque wrench.
• Repeat the same steps on the other side.

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✅ After Repair

• Pump the brake pedal before moving the vehicle.
• Start the vehicle and verify there is no ABS warning light.
• Test drive slowly at first and listen for noise.
• Check that the steering is smooth and there is no play in the wheel.
• If the ABS light stays on, scan for wheel speed sensor codes.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $700-$1,200 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $180-$360 (parts only)

You Save: $520-$840 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 3-5 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.