1995 Pontiac Bonneville Tips for replacing wheel bearing as

BERTRAM55

MEMBER
1995 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
170,000 MILES

I have a Chilton's that says to disconnect the stabilizer bar, separate the control arm from the steering knuckle and to push the drive shaft out of the assembly.

Why not leave car in neutral to remove the three hub retaining bolts abd pull the bearing assembly off the drive shaft? Push out the shaft or pull off the hub bearing assembly. Seems like it would free up all the hassle with the control arm and worrying about drive shaft CV stuff.
Thoughts?

4 Replies

BUDDYCRAIGG

MECHANIC
2,262 POSTS

I'd go with your idea as long as the bearing isn't pressed in to the knuckle.

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Thursday, January 1st, 2009 AT 8:33 PM

BERTRAM55

MEMBER
3 POSTS

I tried the method I described. Worked up to the point where the bearing housing was supposed to wiggle out of the knuckle. Either 14 years, 170,000 of roads or the housing being pressed into the knuckle would not allow the bearing assembly to come out.

I couldn't wiggle the bearing assembly out. I went back to the Chilton's directions, but was unable to get the control arm off the steering knuckle. Wasn't able to pop the ball joint apart. Pry bars and friendly taps with a hammer didn't help.

So I put it back together and am looking for a shop to fix it.

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Saturday, January 3rd, 2009 AT 8:36 AM

BUDDYCRAIGG

MECHANIC
2,262 POSTS

If you feel like trying it again,

after you take the 3 bolts out,
hit the bearing housing with a hammer. Trying to rotate it.

Or use a flat chisel and try to separate it from the knuckle. A little at each corner working your way around slowly.

They do tend to rust a bit after so long

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Saturday, January 3rd, 2009 AT 2:35 PM

BERTRAM55

MEMBER
3 POSTS

With your encouragement, I tried it again. Between the chisel, WD40 and rotating by hammer, I was able to pop it off after a couple hours. I'd hammer, soak and walk away. When it finallly did pop, it left the electrical housing and seal behind. I tapped them out separately.

I cleaned up the steering knuckle, applied a little bearing grease and reassembled the new American made housing. Test drive was excellent. Before it was a constant heavy tire noise. Now it is quiet.

Thanks.

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Monday, January 5th, 2009 AT 6:35 PM