Rear Wheel Hub, Knuckle and Bearing

REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

1990–94 Vehicles

1. Raise the vehicle and support safely.
2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly.
3. Remove the bolt(s) holding the speed sensor bracket to the knuckle and remove the assembly from the vehicle.

   NOTE: The speed sensor has a pole piece projecting from it. This exposed tip must be protected from impact or scratches. Do not allow the pole piece to contact the toothed wheel during removal or installation.

4. Remove the caliper from the brake disc and suspend with a wire. Do not disconnect the brake hose from the caliper.
5. Remove the brake disc.
6. Remove the grease cap, self-locking nut and tongued washer.
7. Remove the rear hub assembly.
8. If equipped with ABS, remove the retainer bolts and the rear rotor assembly from the back side of the bearing assembly. Replace the rear hub bearing assembly as required.

   NOTE: The rear hub assembly can not be disassembled. If bearing replacement is required, replace the assembly as a unit.

   Fig. 1: Rear hub and bearing assembly and related components — 1990–94 vehicles

   Fig. 2: Crimp the wheel bearing nut at the spindle indentation–1990–94 vehicles

   To install:

9. Install the rear rotor to the back side of the bearing assembly and secure with the retainer bolts. Install the hub assembly.
10. Install the tongued washer and a new self-locking nut. Tighten the nut to 144–188 ft. lbs. (200–260 Nm), align with the indentation in the spindle, and crimp the wall of the nut. This will lock the nut in position.
11. Set up a dial indicator and measure the end-play while moving the hub in and out. If the end-play exceeds 0.004 in. (0.01mm), retighten the nut. If still beyond the limit, replace the hub unit.
12. Install the grease cap and brake components removed during this procedure.
13. Temporarily install the speed sensor to the knuckle; tighten the bolts only finger-tight.
14. Route the cable correctly and loosely install the clips and retainers. All clips must be in their original position and the sensor cable must not be twisted. Improper installation may cause cable damage and possibly system failure.

    NOTE: The wiring in the harness is easily damaged by twisting and flexing. Use the white stripe on the outer insulation to keep the sensor harness properly placed.

15. Use a brass or other non-magnetic feeler gauge to check the air gap between the tip of the pole piece and the toothed wheel. Correct gap is 0.012–0.035 in. (0.3–0.9mm). Tighten the 2 sensor bracket bolts to 10 ft. lbs. (14 Nm) with the sensor located so the gap is the same at several points on the toothed wheel. If the gap is incorrect, it is likely that the toothed wheel is worn or improperly installed.
16. Install the tire and wheel assembly.
17. Prior to moving the vehicle, pump the brakes unit a firm pedal is obtained.

1995–98 Vehicles

1. Raise and safely support the vehicle.
2. Remove the front wheel and tire assembly.
3. For AWD vehicles, remove the driveshaft.
4. If equipped with ABS, remove the rear wheel speed sensor.
5. If equipped with rear disc brakes, unbolt the caliper and suspend from the body with a suitable piece of wire. Do not disconnect the fluid line. Remove the rotor.
6. If equipped with drum brakes, remove the brake drum.
7. For FWD vehicles, remove the clip mounting bolt.
8. For AWD vehicles, remove the shoe and lining assembly.
9. For vehicles with disc brakes, remove the parking brake shoe and lining assembly.
10. For AWD vehicles, remove the parking brake cable clip, then detach the cable.
11. Remove the retaining bolts, then remove the rear hub and bearing assembly.
12. For FWD vehicles, if equipped with ABS, use a suitable inner shaft remover to press off the ABS rotor.

    Fig. 3: Exploded view of the rear hub and bearing assembly — 1995–98 FWD vehicles

    Fig. 4: Exploded view of the rear hub and bearing assembly — 1995–98 AWD vehicles

    To install:

13. If removed, install the ABS rotor.
14. Install the rear hub and bearing and secure with the mounting bolts.
15. For AWD vehicles, attach the parking brake cable, then install the retaining clip.
16. If equipped with disc brakes, install the parking brake shoe and lining assembly.
17. For AWD vehicles, install the shoe and lining assembly.
18. For FWD vehicles, install the clip mounting bolt.
19. If equipped with drum brakes, install the brake drum.
20. If equipped with disc brakes, install the rotor then position the caliper and secure with the retaining bolts.
21. If equipped, install the rear wheel speed sensor.
22. For AWD vehicles, install the driveshaft.
23. Install the front wheel and tire assembly, then carefully lower the vehicle.