Replacement of front wheel bearing 2003 Malibu?

Answer 1

I replaced the front right side wheel bearing on my 2003 Malibu. It was much easier than I thought it would be. 1. Loosen the axle nut a half turn. 2. Jack up then remove the wheel. 3. Remove the brake caliper and support bracket as one piece (2 bolts) and remove the brake disc. 4. Remove the axle nut completely. 5. Disconnect the anti-lock brake sensor from the bracket. 6. Remove the three bolts holding the bearing housing to the steering knuckle. (Mine were really tight) 7. Work the bearing housing out of the steering knuckle and off the splines of the axle shaft. (Bump the end of the shaft with a piece of wood and hammer if necessary being careful not to damage the threads.) 8. Clean the Steering knuckle face and bore and the anti-lock bracket ready for reassembly, which is the reverse of the above.

NOTE: My new bearing housing came with a kit of parts including: A knuckle seal. An 'O' ring seal and a new axle nut. I've had this vehile from new and there was no 'O' ring or knuckle seal on the housing that I removed. Maybe that's why my bearing (and a lot of others) failed.