repack front wheel bearings

**19691998firebirdtransam** · 02-28-2006, 01:33 AM

I noticed the wheel bearings are attached different than the older cars. It looked like the nut that holds them on is on the inside of the spinde? Whats the procedure and how long does it take compared to the older cars?

Thanks...

**02z28ls1** · 02-28-2006, 12:48 PM

It's a one piece hub and bearing assembly that unbolts from the back side of the hub. 3 bolts and it slides out. These are sealed assemblies and there is no way to repack or service them except to replace the whole assembly.

**19691998firebirdtransam** · 02-28-2006, 01:26 PM

Thats kind of what I was afraid of. My car has 113,000 miles on it. Whats the normal service life of these sealed bearings?

Thanks...

**TommySS** · 02-28-2006, 05:18 PM

I'm thinkin that anything after 100k is borrowed time, but I've gotten 280k on sealed rear bearings on my 88 Nova (and the book says change 'em at 100k)

**YoMommasTA** · 02-28-2006, 05:25 PM

thats a good question,reminds me of another question.how many licks does it take to get to the center of a tootsie roll pop.of course the answer is noone really knows.they can last a very long time if not abused by getting hammered on by dumb mechanics trying to get stuck rotors off or they can live very short lives if driven at high speeds in warm weather.i check mine everytime i rotate the tires.when you rotate the hub smooth and quiet=

rough and rumbly=

you will easily notice the rumbling while driving if one starts going bad.i don't think you have to worry about sudden catastrophic failure,unless you drive 100+mph constantly.then you better check them carefully.