Do the Wheel Bearings in the 1994 Grand Am Two Door Need to Be Pressed In?

The 1994 Pontiac Grand Am was equipped with a 2.3-liter dual-overhead-cam in-line-four cylinder, or a 3.1-liter V-6 engine. The Grand Am uses MacPherson struts at the front end to provide independent-front suspension. The front wheel bearings on the Grand Am are part of a hub assembly and the bearings cannot be pressed in. The hub assembly must be replaced as a unit. Replacing the hub on the Grand Am is easier than on many other vehicles.

Instructions

Removal

1

Park the Grand Am on a level, paved surface and set the parking brake. Place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels. Loosen the lug nuts on the front wheels. Use a breaker bar and socket to loosen the hub nut about two turns. Raise the front of the Grand Am with a jack and support with jack stands. Allow the suspension to hang at full extension.

2

Remove the lug nuts and wheels. Remove the bolts that hold the caliper to the caliper bracket with a ratchet and socket. Tie the caliper to the coil spring with a piece of wire. Remove the rotor.

3

Remove the three bolts that hold the hub and bearing assembly to the steering knuckle with a ratchet, extension and Torx bit. Slide the socket and extension through the hole in the hub flange to access the bolts. The splash shield is also held on by the bolts. Remove the splash shield.

4

Attach an axle flange puller to the hub flange and use it to push the axle shaft toward the engine. Remove the hub. Use a hammer and punch to drive the steering knuckle seal toward the engine to remove the steering knuckle seal from around the axle.

Installation

5

Install a new seal into the steering knuckle with a hammer and a wooden two-by-four. Coat the inside lip of the seal with high-temperature wheel bearing grease.

6

Install a new O-ring against the inside mounting flange on the hub. Mount the hub on the steering knuckle while guiding the axle shaft through the hub. Mount the splash shield against the hub and install the three mounting bolts. Use a torque wrench and Torx bit to torque the bolts to 70 foot-pounds.

7

Install a new hub nut and use a ratchet and socket to snug it down as far as you can. Mount the rotor onto the hub. Slide the caliper over the rotor and install the two mounting bolts. Use a torque wrench and socket to torque the bolts to 38 foot-pounds.

8

Mount the wheels and install the lug nuts. Raise the front of the Grand Am remove the jack stands and lower the Grand Am to the ground. Torque the lug nuts to 100 foot-pounds. Torque the hub nut to 185 foot-pounds.