🔧 Wheel Bearing Hub Replacement

This procedure covers the front wheel bearing hub assembly on your Sierra. On this truck, the bearing is serviced as a sealed hub unit, so the repair is done by removing the hub assembly and installing a new one.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 2-4 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Lift the truck on level ground and support it with jack stands; never rely on a jack alone.
• Engage the parking brake and chock the rear wheels before lifting.
• If your truck has an ABS sensor wire attached to the hub, do not pull on the wire.
• Brake components may be hot after driving.
• Battery disconnect is not 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 (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Wheel chocks
• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves
• Breaker bar
• 21mm socket
• 15mm socket
• 18mm socket
• 36mm socket
• Torque wrench
• Ratchet
• Flat blade screwdriver
• Wire brush
• Hammer
• Penetrating oil

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Front wheel hub bearing assembly - Qty: 1
• Front wheel hub bearing assembly - Qty: 2 for both sides
• Hub mounting bolts - Qty: 3
• ABS sensor bolt - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and chock the rear wheels.
• Loosen the front lug nuts before lifting the truck.
• Turn the steering wheel to give better access to the side you are repairing.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Loosen the wheel

• Use a 21mm socket and breaker bar to loosen the lug nuts 1/2 turn before lifting.

Step 2: Lift and secure the truck

• Raise the front corner with a floor jack.
• Support the truck with jack stands under the frame.
• Remove the wheel with the 21mm socket.

Step 3: Remove the brake caliper and bracket

• Use a 18mm socket to remove the caliper bracket bolts.
• Lift the caliper and bracket off as an assembly.
• Hang it with wire or a hook so the brake hose is not stretched.
• Do not let the caliper hang by the hose.

Step 4: Remove the rotor

• Slide the brake rotor off the hub.
• If it is stuck, tap it gently with a hammer.

Step 5: Disconnect the ABS sensor

• Use a flat blade screwdriver and small socket if needed to release the ABS sensor wiring and mounting point.
• Move the harness out of the way.

Step 6: Remove the axle nut

• Use a 36mm socket and breaker bar to remove the axle nut.
• Have the hub/brake parts supported so the CV axle does not pull outward too far.

Step 7: Remove the hub assembly

• Use a 15mm socket to remove the hub mounting bolts from the back of the steering knuckle.
• Spray penetrating oil around the hub flange if it is rusty.
• Tap the hub outward evenly with a hammer if it is seized.
• Work around the hub in a circle.

Step 8: Clean the mounting surface

• Use a wire brush to clean rust from the knuckle where the hub sits.
• Make sure the surface is flat and free of debris.

Step 9: Install the new hub assembly

• Position the new hub assembly into the knuckle.
• Install the hub bolts by hand first.
• Use a 15mm socket to tighten the hub bolts evenly.
• Torque to 133 Nm (98 ft-lbs).

Step 10: Reinstall the axle nut

• Thread the axle nut on by hand.
• Use a 36mm socket to tighten it.
• Torque to 325 Nm (240 ft-lbs).

Step 11: Reinstall the rotor, caliper, and wheel

• Install the brake rotor.
• Reinstall the caliper bracket using a 18mm socket.
• Torque to 175 Nm (129 ft-lbs).
• Install the wheel and snug the lug nuts with a 21mm socket.
• Torque lug nuts to 190 Nm (140 ft-lbs) in a star pattern.

Step 12: Lower and test

• Lower the truck, then fully torque the lug nuts.
• Spin the wheel by hand and check for smooth movement.
• Verify the ABS and brake warning lights stay off after startup.

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✅ After Repair

• Road test at low speed first.
• Listen for noise and feel for vibration.
• Recheck lug nut torque after 25-50 miles.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $450-$900 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $120-$280 (parts only)

You Save: $330-$620 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 2-4 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.