socket sizes

Here's a write up with photos on how2 replace front wheel bearing and also U-joints in the front driveline.

You can download the entire service manual here.

Unfortunately they don't give you fastener sizes in the service manual, but from what I have read a 14mm 12-pt socket is what you want for the bolts that hold the hub bearing on the steering knuckle. The axle nut is 1-11/16, but a metric conversion says 43mm should work. I would recommend a 25" breaker bar like this one from Harbor Freight for loosening these hi-torque fasteners.

Pay attention to torque values when re-assembling:

Caliper brackets 130 ft/lbs
Hub bearing to knuckle bolts 122 ft/lbs
Axle nut 180 ft/lbs.

NOTE: Axle nuts should NEVER be re-used, they are a special deformed locking fastener that *may* not lock and hold torque correctly when re-used.

Best way to remove the axle nut is an impact wrench if you have one, but DO NOT use an impact wrench to re-install, use a torque wrench and torque to the proper values. Over tightening will kill the new bearing quickly.

One trick I use is a crow bar across the nub face and between the lug studs and wedged to the floor to stop the hub assembly from turning when you torque on the hub nut. Looks like a 3/4" torque wrench is in your future for this job....here's one from Harbor Freight for $80.

2003silverado wrote:
Not sure on the sizes, but generally auto part stores (im familiar with auto zone and advance auto) rent those type of tools for free. You pay for them with your credit card and when you bring them back you get a full credit. Also, in my experience, they will tell you the size of tools required to do a certain job. Their systems (not the workers always) are pretty complex so if you tell them you are replacing a wheel bearing, they will bring up an exploded view of the job and tell you what size nuts you will be taking off and you can rent the tools based on that.

X2

I have had the parts guys print the diagrams off for me and they ask me if I have the tolls required.

Not sure on the sizes, but generally auto part stores (im familiar with auto zone and advance auto) rent those type of tools for free. You pay for them with your credit card and when you bring them back you get a full credit. Also, in my experience, they will tell you the size of tools required to do a certain job. Their systems (not the workers always) are pretty complex so if you tell them you are replacing a wheel bearing, they will bring up an exploded view of the job and tell you what size nuts you will be taking off and you can rent the tools based on that.