Assumption: This covers both front and rear wheel bearing/hub replacement on your Equinox, since the procedure is different at each end.

🔧 Wheel Bearing / Hub Assembly - Replacement

On this vehicle, the wheel bearing is serviced as a hub assembly. That means the bearing is replaced as one unit instead of pressing the bearing out of the knuckle. You’ll remove the wheel, brake parts, axle nut, and hub fasteners, then install the new assembly and reassemble everything.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Work on a level surface and support the vehicle with jack stands. Never rely on a floor jack alone.
• Use wheel chocks on the opposite wheels.
• If the vehicle has a tire pressure monitoring sensor in the wheel, avoid damaging it during wheel removal.
• Do not hang the brake caliper by the hose. Use a wire hook or bungee cord to support it.
• The axle nut is a high-torque fastener. Use a breaker bar and keep hands clear.
• If equipped with AWD, make sure the axle shaft is fully seated during reassembly.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Lug nut socket
• Breaker bar
• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands
• Wheel chocks
• Torque wrench
• Ratchet
• Metric socket set
• Socket extension set
• Axle nut socket
• Torx bit set
• Brake caliper hanger hook
• Hammer
• Large pry bar
• Penetrating oil
• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Front wheel hub and bearing assembly - Qty: 1 per side
• Rear wheel hub and bearing assembly - Qty: 1 per side
• Axle nut - Qty: 1 per side
• Brake cleaner - Qty: 1 can

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Loosen the lug nuts before lifting the vehicle.
• Spray penetrating oil on the axle nut and hub fasteners before starting.
• If replacing a front bearing, expect the axle nut to be tight.
• If replacing a rear bearing on AWD, the axle may be stuck in the hub and need careful persuasion.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Raise and secure the vehicle

• Use the floor jack to lift the corner you are servicing.
• Support the vehicle with jack stands.
• Remove the wheel with the lug nut socket.
• Keep the removed wheel under the rocker as backup.

Step 2: Remove the brake caliper and rotor

• Use the ratchet and metric socket set to remove the caliper bolts.
• Lift the caliper off and hang it with a brake caliper hanger hook.
• Remove the caliper bracket bolts with the ratchet and the correct metric socket.
• Remove the brake rotor by hand. If stuck, tap it gently with a hammer.

Step 3: Remove the axle nut and separate the axle

• Use the axle nut socket and breaker bar to remove the axle nut.
• Push the axle inward slightly. If needed, use a large pry bar carefully.
• Do not damage the threads.

Step 4: Remove the hub assembly fasteners

• Use the metric socket set or Torx bit set to remove the hub bolts from the back of the knuckle.
• If the hub is stuck, tap around the hub flange with a hammer to break it free.
• Remove the hub and bearing assembly from the knuckle.

Step 5: Install the new hub assembly

• Clean the knuckle mounting surface with brake cleaner.
• Position the new hub and bearing assembly in place by hand.
• Install the hub bolts by hand first, then tighten with the ratchet.
• Torque to factory specification for the hub bolts.
• Install a new axle nut and snug it by hand.

Step 6: Reinstall the brake parts

• Reinstall the rotor.
• Reinstall the caliper bracket with the metric socket set.
• Reinstall the caliper over the rotor.
• Torque to factory specification for the caliper bracket and caliper bolts.

Step 7: Final tighten and reassemble

• Lower the vehicle enough so the wheel can’t spin, then use the torque wrench and axle nut socket to tighten the axle nut to factory specification.
• Reinstall the wheel and snug the lug nuts by hand.
• Lower the vehicle fully and torque the lug nuts to factory specification in a star pattern.

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✅ After Repair

• Spin the wheel by hand and listen for noise or rubbing.
• Press the brake pedal several times before driving.
• Test drive at low speed first.
• Listen for humming, grinding, or clicking.
• If the ABS light comes on, scan for codes and inspect the wheel speed sensor wiring.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $350-$700 per corner (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $120-$260 per corner (parts only)

You Save: $230-$440 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?

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