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2002 Chevy Van & wheel bearings
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liquidctv
Novice
Jan 3, 2011, 4:23 PM
Post #1 of 7
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2002 Chevy Van & wheel bearings
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I have a 2002 Chevy express cargo van 4.3L with about 100k miles on it. I bought it this year with about 85,000 miles on it. The van was in good shape, not driven much in 8 years, from what I could tell.
I did my first brake job in November, somewhat hastily after driving around with crappy brakes for a month.
Then last week, the front left outer wheel bearing exploded. I replaced the rotor, inner & outer bearings and seal, but am hearing some bad noises today, so I'm wondering if I did a proper job. I am hearing some grinding noises mostly at low speeds (traffic) or in tight turns.
The spindle had the inner ring of the bearing fused to it, so I cut it off, to get the new one on. The spindle appears undamaged, although maybe a tad rough from having the metal ring fused to it for a few days.
I am wondering if the noise is because the new bearings aren't on tight enough, too tight, or if I didn't use enough grease. I packed them maybe 50-60% full of grease. Then because the spindle was a bit rough, I hit the hub with a hammer a few times to get it all the way on (hard to tell, really). Then I torqued the spindle nut to 12 ft-lbs, spun the wheel a few times, and put in the cotter pin.
The instructions actually say to torque the nut to 12 ft-lbs, then back off and hand-tighten. But, because the outer washer is bent out of shape, I figured hand-tightening against a non-flat surface would be too loose. Also, everyone agrees to hit the bearings into a palm-full of grease, to get it into the gaps, but it's not clear to me if it needs to be 100% full of grease.
Anyway, the noises are infrequent, but uncomfortable when they happen. Not sure what to do different except to get a new washer, or use more grease. I'm sure people have done this hundreds of times, any tips? I'd like to do it again, while its still fresh enough to use the same parts.
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jan 3, 2011, 4:31 PM
Post #2 of 7
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Re: 2002 Chevy Van & wheel bearings
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Check the backing plate to see if it's contacting the rotor anywhere.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jan 4, 2011, 9:43 AM
Post #3 of 7
(3397 views)
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Re: 2002 Chevy Van & wheel bearings
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To add: Get a new out washer and new cotter pins - don't reuse them. Hoist that suspect wheel and spin it. Should be silent and about no freeplay. Check the backing plate as HT suggests too.
Hey - in the course of replacing races it's easy to flaw the surface (either from removing it or bad from the get go?) and may be bad again or, hate to say there are some high defect rates for some bearings too so may need to do again.
How much grease?: Clean junk off of spindles and inside hub with this type. Re-pack new bearings as best you can. Some techs like put put a small wad of extra grease inside hub but not sure how effective that is at any real help later?
You should NOT have to pound a rotor back on! Not sure what happened there. It should fit in place ready for outer bearing, washer and adjustment. Then cotter pin and dust cap and should feel pretty good right away and pretty silent except for some brake rubbing but you should be checking before that goes back on,
T
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mdaniel
User
Jan 4, 2011, 4:20 PM
Post #4 of 7
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Re: 2002 Chevy Van & wheel bearings
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IMO, when packing wheel bearings, you should have 100% penetration around the bearing rollers.
You can buy a needle with a grease fitting on the end of it from you local parts store that you can stick down between each roller and shoot full of grease.
Then as far as your bearing pre-load goes, as stated above, never use bent retaining washers or old cotter pins.
I never use a torque wrench for setting pre-load on bearings, I tighten the per-load until all end play is gone then tighten the nut until the cotter pin will go in and lock her down.
Hope this helps.
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liquidctv
Novice
Jan 11, 2011, 6:46 PM
Post #6 of 7
(3348 views)
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Re: 2002 Chevy Van & wheel bearings
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Thanks guys. It is still making the same noises, pretty infrequent, mostly in tight turns, so I wonder if it is the backing plate.
>If the old bearing was "welded" onto the spindle to where it had to be cut off....... The old spindle is trash & needs to be replaced...
Interesting. This would be a big job; the spindle is physically large and not sold by any parts stores. I'm not sure if it needed to be pounded on, or if I just did it out of paranoia. Could be why it's rubbing.
Anyway, we're getting some bad weather here, so I'm going to wait. Put more grease in, and put the rotor on not so tight. Oh yeah, and a new washer. I have cotter pins. Very helpful, all of you.
(This post was edited by liquidctv on Jan 11, 2011, 6:47 PM)
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jan 13, 2011, 7:06 AM
Post #7 of 7
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Re: 2002 Chevy Van & wheel bearings
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Just FYI: The spindle would be a dealer item or if a real competent salvage yard might be able to sell one.
Do the right thing. If driving this at all any funky feelings stop and tow it,
T
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