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replace a 97 pontiac grand prix front wheel bearings
Sent to Car Experts November 07 12:27 AM

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Optional Information: 1997 Pontiac grand prix se 3.8
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Edited by Customer (name blocked for privacy) on November 7 2005 at 1:00 AM

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status:  Closed   Value: $5
Answer
November 7 5:44 AM (5 hours and 16 minutes and 58 seconds later)
         
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Halfshafts are flexible assemblies consisting of and inner and outer Constant Velocity (CV) joint connected by an axle shaft. The inner joint is completely flexible and has the capability of in-and-out movement. The outer joint is also flexible but cannot move in-and-out.

The halfshaft or drive axle spline end mating with the knuckle and hub assembly is a helical spline which provides a tight press-fit and assures that no end-play will exist between the hub and bearing assembly and the drive shaft assembly.


REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

If equipped with tri-pot joints, care must be exercised not to allow joints to become overextended. Overextending the joint could result in separation of internal components.

Images available only to Customers.
Fig. 1: Insert a brass drift to prevent the rotor from turning and remove the shaft nut


Images available only to Customers.
Fig. 2: Using needle-nose pliers, remove and discard the ball joint cotter pin


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Fig. 3: Unfasten the retaining nut and pry control arm down and away from knuckle.You may have to hit the knuckle with hammer to free the ball joint from it.




Images available only to Customers.
Fig. 5: Press the halfshaft out of the hub


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Fig. 6: Once the halfshaft is loose, pull the knuckle away and remove the joint from the hub.At this point you will see the Hub and bearing assy retaining bolts on the rear side of the knuckle.Remove them and then remove bearing from knuckle assy.(May require a slide hammer with puller tool).


  1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.

  2. Raise and safely support the vehicle under the proper body lift points. Do NOT support under lower control arms. Remove the wheel and tire assemblies.

  3. Install drive axle boot protector J 34754 or equivalent on the outer joint.

  4. To prevent the rotor from turning, insert a drift into the caliper and rotor, then unfasten the shaft nut and washer.

  5. Disconnect the caliper retaining bolts, then remove and support the caliper with a wire; DO NOT let the caliper hang by its brake hose.

  6. Remove the rotor from the hub and bearing assembly.

  7. Detach the stabilizer shaft from the control arm.

  8. Remove and discard the cotter pin, unfasten the retaining nut the ball joint from the steering knuckle and pry the control arm free from the knuckle assy.

  9. Using tool J 28733 or suitable halfshaft pressing tool, remove the halfshaft/drive axle from the hub and bearing assembly, by pressing the halfshaft in and away from hub. The halfshaft should only be pressed in until the press fit between the halfshaft and hub is loose.Remove shaft by pulling knuckle away from it.Remove Bearing retainer bolts from rear of knuckle and remove Bearing assy from knuckle.(May require slide hammer with puller)

  10. To install: Mount new Bearing /Hub assy to knuckle . Start splines of halfshaft into transaxle and push halfshaft until it snaps into place.

  1. Start the splines by inserting halfshaft into the hub assembly.

  2. Secure lower ball joint into the steering knuckle and install the attaching nut. Install a new cotter pin.

  3. Install the rotor and caliper.

  4. Secure the washer and hub nut, tighten to 191 ft. lbs. (260 Nm).

  5. Install stabilizer bar bushing assembly to lower control arm and tighten to 13 ft. lbs. (18 Nm).

  6. Remove halfshaft seal boot protector.

  7. Install the wheel and tire assemblies.

  8. Carefully lower the vehicle.

  9. Connect the negative battery cable and check for proper operation.

Images available only to Customers.



Edited by railman on November 7 2005 at 5:46 AM

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Michael -- Auto Service Technician -- 99% Positive Feedback on 598 Car Accepts
21yrs.Foreign and domestic driveability diagnosis and repair/ ASE Cert./Fuel Injection Specialist.
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