Changing Front Bearings
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Joined: Sep 2012
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From: MI or AZ
Changing Front Bearings
Looks like my left front is thrashed. I'm going with Timken units, but was wondering how different changing the front hub was compared with the rear that my father and I did last year. Will I need to do anything with the control arms or ball joints? Also, will I need to purchase those same Teflon washers that the rear uses?
Thanks!
Thanks!
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,394
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Looks like my left front is thrashed. I'm going with Timken units, but was wondering how different changing the front hub was compared with the rear that my father and I did last year. Will I need to do anything with the control arms or ball joints? Also, will I need to purchase those same Teflon washers that the rear uses?
Thanks!
Thanks!
If you needed brakes now would be the time. You might seize the opportunity while the hubs are off to clean everything but that's about it.
Last edited by WVZR-1; Apr 4, 2014 at 12:04 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,735
Likes: 412
From: WV
Also to add to the above... Buy a tube of "blue loctite" to apply to the bolts and use the torque specs listed to secure them properly...These are bolts that you don't want coming loose...WW
To remove:
1996 Corvette front wheel bearings remove/install....
1.Disconnect the negative battery cable, then raise and support the vehicle safely.
2.Remove the tire and wheel assembly.
3.Remove the caliper and support it aside, then remove the rotor.
4.If equipped, disengage the ABS speed sensor electrical connector, then remove the ABS speed sensor cable bracket.
5.Remove the wheel hub/bearing/speed sensor assembly.
To install:
6.Install the hub/bearing/speed sensor assembly onto the vehicle. Make sure the speed sensor cable connection is facing rearward.
7.Tighten the assembly mounting nuts to 46 ft. lbs. (62 Nm).
8.If equipped, engage the ABS electrical connector and install the cable bracket.
9.Install the brake rotor and caliper.
10.Install the tire and wheel assembly, then lower the vehicle.
11.Connect the negative battery cable. The bearings do not require adjustment.
To remove:
1996 Corvette front wheel bearings remove/install....
1.Disconnect the negative battery cable, then raise and support the vehicle safely.
2.Remove the tire and wheel assembly.
3.Remove the caliper and support it aside, then remove the rotor.
4.If equipped, disengage the ABS speed sensor electrical connector, then remove the ABS speed sensor cable bracket.
5.Remove the wheel hub/bearing/speed sensor assembly.
To install:
6.Install the hub/bearing/speed sensor assembly onto the vehicle. Make sure the speed sensor cable connection is facing rearward.
7.Tighten the assembly mounting nuts to 46 ft. lbs. (62 Nm).
8.If equipped, engage the ABS electrical connector and install the cable bracket.
9.Install the brake rotor and caliper.
10.Install the tire and wheel assembly, then lower the vehicle.
11.Connect the negative battery cable. The bearings do not require adjustment.
Last edited by WW7; Apr 4, 2014 at 12:50 PM.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 628
Likes: 13
From: Indiana
I agree, it is pretty straight forward/simple. Remove the wheel, caliper, and disc. Then remove the two upper nuts holding the ABS cable support bracket, the bracket itself, and then the four axle hub bolts. Here is a pic so your know what your up against. Notice the ABS cable plug faces toward the rear on either side. In the second pic you can see a larger hole in the spindle that allows you to place the hub bolts through. Line it up and place a bolt then rotate and do the next bolt. Wait until you have all four bolts/nuts in place before you tighten them. Us a cross pattern and slowly bring them all in tight. This helps center the hub in the knuckle and stops it from cocking.
Last edited by Klyde; Apr 5, 2014 at 08:26 PM.
Former Vendor
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 720
Likes: 13
From: Fort Wayne Indiana
If you are replacing you front C4 hubs, you may want to consider our new heavy duty front hubs from Hoosier Performance Engineering. If you auto cross, road race or just want the very best hub on the market, these may be for you. There is a more complete write up in the C4 Vendor For Sale forum entitled "New C4 Heavy Duty Front Hubs".
