🔧 Wheel Bearings - Replacement

Assumption: This covers the front and rear hub bearing assemblies on your Equinox. On this vehicle, the bearings are serviced as complete hub assemblies, not pressed individual bearings.

Both sides should be replaced in pairs on the same axle for even wheel feel and noise control. This is a moderate-to-advanced repair because it involves braking parts, axle hardware, and high-torque fasteners.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Support the vehicle with jack stands on solid, level ground.
• Do not work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
• Use wheel chocks on the opposite wheels.
• The brake system contains heavy components; support the caliper so the hose is not stretched.
• The rear brakes may require electronic parking brake service mode before caliper removal.
• If the parking brake is equipped and active, set the vehicle to brake service mode before rear work.
• Battery disconnect is not required for the front hubs; for rear work, disconnecting the battery is recommended if you must access parking brake-related electrical components.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Wheel chocks
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• Breaker bar
• Torque wrench
• 1/2-inch drive ratchet
• 10mm socket
• 13mm socket
• 15mm socket
• 18mm socket
• 21mm socket
• 30mm axle nut socket
• Torx T30 screwdriver
• Torx T40 socket
• Flat-blade screwdriver
• Dead-blow hammer
• Rubber mallet
• Hub puller or slide hammer (specialty)
• Brake caliper hanger hook (specialty)
• Wire brush
• Penetrating oil
• Scan tool with EPB service function (specialty)

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Front wheel hub bearing assembly - Qty: 2
• Rear wheel hub bearing assembly - Qty: 2
• Front axle nut - Qty: 2
• Rear axle nut - Qty: 2
• Front brake caliper bracket bolts - Qty: 2 sets
• Rear brake caliper bracket bolts - Qty: 2 sets
• Brake cleaner - Qty: 1 can
• Anti-seize compound - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Loosen the wheel lug nuts before lifting the vehicle.
• For rear hub work, put the parking brake in service mode using the scan tool before removing the caliper.
• If the rear EPB is not in service mode, do not force the caliper off.
• Have replacement axle nuts ready; they are one-time-use on this repair.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Loosen the wheel and axle hardware

• Use a breaker bar and the correct socket to loosen the wheel lug nuts before lifting the vehicle.
• Use a 30mm axle nut socket to loosen the axle nut while the wheel is still on the ground.
• Break loose hardware before lifting.

Step 2: Lift and secure the vehicle

• Use a floor jack to raise the corner you are working on.
• Place jack stands under the proper support points and lower the vehicle onto them.
• Remove the wheel with the lug wrench or impact if available.

Step 3: Remove the brake caliper and rotor

• Use a 13mm socket or 15mm socket to remove the caliper guide pin bolts, depending on the axle.
• Lift the caliper off and hang it with a brake caliper hanger hook (specialty).
• Use a Torx T30 screwdriver or 18mm socket to remove the rotor retaining screw if equipped.
• Remove the brake rotor. If it is stuck, tap it gently with a rubber mallet.

Step 4: Remove the axle nut and separate the hub area

• Use a 30mm axle nut socket and breaker bar to remove the axle nut fully.
• Push the axle splines inward slightly if needed. Do not hammer on the axle threads.
• Protect the axle threads.

Step 5: Remove the hub/bearing assembly

• Use a 15mm socket or 18mm socket to remove the hub-to-knuckle bolts from the back side.
• Spray penetrating oil on rusted fasteners and wait a few minutes.
• Use a dead-blow hammer or hub puller or slide hammer (specialty) to free the hub assembly from the knuckle.
• Remove the hub assembly from the knuckle.

Step 6: Clean the mounting surface

• Use a wire brush and brake cleaner to clean rust and debris from the knuckle face.
• Make sure the mounting surface is smooth and flat.
• Rust causes new bearing noise.

Step 7: Install the new hub assembly

• Position the new hub bearing assembly into the knuckle.
• Install the hub bolts by hand first, then tighten them with a torque wrench.
• Torque the hub bolts to 133 Nm (98 ft-lbs).
• Slide the axle spline through the new hub carefully.

Step 8: Reinstall the axle nut, rotor, and brake parts

• Install a new axle nut and snug it by hand.
• Reinstall the rotor and caliper bracket.
• Use a torque wrench to tighten the axle nut.
• Torque the front axle nut to 280 Nm (207 ft-lbs).
• Torque the rear axle nut to 240 Nm (177 ft-lbs).
• Torque the caliper bracket bolts to 190 Nm (140 ft-lbs) for front and rear bracket bolts.
• Torque the caliper guide pin bolts to 35 Nm (26 ft-lbs).

Step 9: Reinstall the wheel and lower the vehicle

• Install the wheel and snug the lug nuts evenly.
• Lower the vehicle off the jack stands.
• Torque the wheel lug nuts to 140 Nm (103 ft-lbs).

Step 10: Repeat for the other side

• Repeat the same procedure on the opposite side of the same axle.
• Use the same torque specs and same safety steps.

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✅ After Repair

• Pump the brake pedal until it feels firm before moving the vehicle.
• If rear brakes were serviced, exit EPB service mode with the scan tool.
• Check for axle nut or hub bolt movement after the first road test.
• Drive slowly at first and listen for noise or vibration.
• Recheck lug nut torque after 25-50 miles.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $900-$1,800 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $260-$620 (parts only)

You Save: $640-$1,180 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?

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