🔧 Wheel Bearing / Hub Assembly - Replacement

This guide covers replacing one front wheel bearing and hub assembly on your Equinox. On this vehicle, the bearing is built into a bolt-on hub assembly, so the old unit is removed and a new one installed as a complete assembly.

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

---

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Work on a flat surface and chock the wheels. Use jack stands; never rely on a jack alone.
• If your Equinox has electronic stability or ABS warnings after service, they may clear after a short drive; a scan tool may be needed if a fault is stored.
• Do not let the brake caliper hang by the hose.
• Use caution around the axle nut and steering knuckle; both can be very tight.
• Battery disconnect is not required for this repair.

---

🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated for vehicle weight)
• Wheel chocks
• Breaker bar
• Torque wrench
• Socket set
• 13mm socket
• 15mm socket
• 18mm socket
• 21mm socket
• 30mm axle nut socket
• Ratchet
• Long extension
• Ball joint separator (specialty)
• Hammer
• Pry bar
• Bungee cord or brake hanger
• Penetrating oil
• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves

---

🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Front wheel hub and bearing assembly - Qty: 1
• New axle nut - Qty: 1
• Brake cleaner - Qty: 1 can
• Penetrating oil - Qty: 1 can

---

📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, set the parking brake, and chock the opposite wheels.
• Loosen the wheel lug nuts before lifting the vehicle.
• Apply penetrating oil to the axle nut and hub-to-knuckle bolts before disassembly.
• Tip: Crack the axle nut loose before lifting.

---

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Loosen the wheel and axle hardware

• Use a 21mm socket to loosen the wheel lug nuts about one turn while the tire is still on the ground.
• Use a 30mm axle nut socket and breaker bar to loosen the axle nut. Do not remove it yet.
• Tip: Leave the axle nut threaded on a few turns.

Step 2: Raise and secure the vehicle

• Use a floor jack to lift the front of the vehicle at the proper lift point.
• Set the vehicle on jack stands and make sure it is stable before working.
• Remove the wheel lug nuts with the 21mm socket and take off the wheel.

Step 3: Remove the brake caliper and rotor

• Use a 15mm socket to remove the brake caliper bolts.
• Lift the caliper off and secure it with a bungee cord or brake hanger so the hose is not stretched.
• Use a 15mm socket to remove the caliper bracket bolts if needed, then remove the rotor.
• Tip: If the rotor is stuck, tap it gently with a hammer.

Step 4: Remove the axle nut and separate the steering knuckle

• Remove the axle nut with the 30mm axle nut socket.
• Use a 18mm socket to remove the lower strut-to-knuckle bolts.
• Use a 13mm socket or the correct size for the brake hose/ABS bracket fasteners if they block hub removal.
• Use a ball joint separator if needed to create extra movement in the knuckle area.
• Push the axle inward slightly by hand. If it is stuck, tap the axle end gently with a hammer using the old nut as protection.

Step 5: Remove the hub assembly

• Use an 18mm socket to remove the hub-to-knuckle bolts from the back side of the steering knuckle.
• Spray penetrating oil around the hub flange if it is rusted in place.
• Use a hammer and pry bar to work the hub assembly out of the knuckle.
• Remove the hub and bearing assembly from the vehicle.
• Tip: Rust is usually the real problem here.

Step 6: Install the new hub assembly

• Clean the knuckle mounting surface with brake cleaner and a rag.
• Install the new hub and bearing assembly into the knuckle by hand.
• Use the 18mm socket to install the hub bolts.
• Torque to 105 Nm (77 ft-lbs) for the hub-to-knuckle bolts.
• Slide the axle back through the hub splines carefully.

Step 7: Reassemble the brake parts

• Reinstall the rotor.
• Install the caliper bracket and torque the bolts with the 15mm socket.
• Torque to 175 Nm (129 ft-lbs) for the caliper bracket bolts.
• Reinstall the caliper and torque the caliper bolts with the 15mm socket.
• Torque to 38 Nm (28 ft-lbs) for the caliper guide bolts.

Step 8: Finish the axle and wheel installation

• Install a new axle nut using the 30mm axle nut socket.
• Torque to 300 Nm (221 ft-lbs) for the axle nut.
• Reinstall the wheel and hand-tighten the lug nuts.
• Lower the vehicle and torque the lug nuts with the 21mm socket.
• Torque to 140 Nm (103 ft-lbs) for the wheel lug nuts.

Step 9: Repeat on the other side if needed

• If you are replacing both front wheel bearings, repeat the same procedure on the other side.

---

✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and check for ABS, traction control, or stability lights.
• Test drive at low speed first, then listen for noise changes while turning.
• Recheck lug nut torque after the test drive.
• If an ABS light stays on, scan for codes and inspect the wheel speed sensor wiring.

---

💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $350-$650 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $90-$220 (parts only)

You Save: $260-$430 by doing it yourself!

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

---

🎯 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.