How to Change Front Wheel Hubs on a 2005 Chevy Uplander

The 2005 Chevy Uplander came with the 3.5-liter V-6 and an automatic transmission. The front wheel bearings are sealed within the hub assembly, so any time the front wheel bearings require service you have to replace the entire hub. This process is the same for all models and variations of the 2005 Uplander. This is a straightforward task that is mostly completed with common hand tools, but you will need one special tool to complete the job.

Instructions

Removal

1

Park the Uplander on a level surface and set the parking brake. Loosen the lug nuts on the wheel to be serviced, using a lug wrench. Lift the front of the vehicle into the air with the floor jack and place the jack stands under the front frame rails. Lower the vehicle until it rests securely on the jack stands. Remove the floor jack

2

Remove the lug nuts. Remove the wheel and tire from the vehicle and set it aside. Disconnect the wheel speed sensor from the vehicle wiring harness. Pull down on the metal clip and remove the wheel speed sensor connector from the bracket.

3

Instruct an assistant to sit in the vehicle and hold the brake. Loosen the spindle nut with the breaker bar and 34 mm socket. Instruct the assistant to exit the vehicle. Remove the bolts with the brake caliper bracket with the socket and ratchet. Slide the caliper and bracket assembly off the brake rotor and steering knuckle. Hang the caliper from the suspension with the mechanics wire.

4

Slide the brake rotor off the wheel hub. Attach the spindle removal tool to the wheel hub and support it to the hub studs with three lug nuts. Tighten the push bolt by hand until it sits flush with the end of the axle. Rotate the push bolt clockwise to push the axle out of the wheel hub. Remove the spindle remover tool.

5

Remove the three hub retaining bolts from the back of the steering knuckle. Pull the wheel hub and shield away from the steering knuckle. Thread the bolts into the hub at least four full turns and strike them lightly with a hammer to remove the hub if the hub is stuck to the knuckle. Discard the hub bolts after they are removed.

Installation

6

Set the new hub assembly and the shield into position on the steering knuckle. Align the mounting holes and axle shaft splines. Push the hub into the knuckle until it sits flush with the knuckle. Install the new wheel hub bolts and tighten to 96 foot-pounds with the torque wrench.

7

Install the new spindle nut to the axle shaft by hand. Slide the brake rotor onto the new wheel hub, but make sure not to drag the rotor across the wheel studs. Remove the mechanics wire and set the brake caliper into position. Line up the caliper bracket mounting bolts with the holes in the steering knuckle. Tighten the bracket bolts to 96 foot-pounds with the torque wrench.

8

Instruct an assistant to sit in the vehicle and apply the brakes. Tighten the new spindle nut to 118 foot-pounds with the torque wrench and 34 mm socket. Clip the wheel speed sensor connector onto its bracket. Connect the wheel speed sensor connector to the vehicle wiring harness.

9

Set the wheel and tire onto the wheel hub. Install the lug nuts hand-tight. Lift the front of the vehicle off the jack stands with the floor jack. Remove the jack stands from under the vehicle and lower the vehicle to the ground. Tighten the lug nuts to 100 foot-pounds with the torque wrench.