I need a new front hub/bearing assembly - driver's side/front on my 96 Lumina - same assembly as the 96-99 Monte's. Bearing is getting noisy. Looks pretty straightforward - the only troublesome area would be if the hub is difficult to pull off the axle. Anyone made this repair, and did the hub come off the axle easily? Can anyone confirm the axle nut size? I think it's a 36 mm. I read that the axle nut should be replaced and not re-used (threads streach, messes up re-torquing) I can get a Moog w/ 3 yr warranty for $89. Any advice?

 

You can reuse the axle nut, you shouldn't reuse the hub bolts.

I don't know the differences between the 1.5gen W-Body and the 2ndgen though. But I did do this a few weeks ago and it was a PITA, but really not that bad.

Mine was definitely a 36mm.

 

Typically, when I buy new hubs, they come with a new axle nut, so I use what they give me.
I've always re-used the three bolts that hold the hub on with no problem (except the one time a bolt was rounding when I was pulling it out, that got replaced immediately).

To get the hub out of the steering knuckle, I've used an air hammer with a chisel bit, worked every time.

I've done this on Grand Ams, Montes, Impalas, Grand Prixs.... With the right tools, it should be an easy job. Also, I spray PB Blaster on the bolts once get the wheel off. I tend to take the bolts out a little at a time, re-spray with PB. The top bolt I typically leave on the top once it's no longer threaded into the hub (with how the hub/knuckle/CV half shaft sit, that can sometimes be fun getting back into position).

 

I think if you aren't afraid to do a brake job this should be no problem. It is a little more advanced but not that hard. I Had my 16 year old daughter do most of the work on mine. She wanted to help so I told her what to do.

 

I only say to replace them because my GM Service Manuals mention to replace them.

They do not say to replace the axle nut in the directions though.

 

Looks like I'm going to give it a try. Advance Auto has some good internet specials, so I can get the part for almost nothing. I'll post the results. I may be able to get at it this weekend.

 

I don't know about the cars but on my 98 K3500 truck, they say to use a new axle nut. They were cheap so I used new ones.

Wayne

 

Be careful what brand hubs you buy. The cheap-o ones are known to go bad in another 6 months.

ACDelco, Timken, and SKF have good reputations.

 

You can get the Timken on Amazon for around $60

Timken 513044

 

Well, I know that AC Delco bearings are good because the ones that are in the car now have over 200,000 miles on them. Unfortunately, a new AC Delco bearing is $365 - and that's from RockAuto. I think Moog is a good brand. They offer a 3 year warranty - which is really a good warranty. Any second opinions on Moog (I believe Moog is now under the Federal Mogul umbrella.)