1995 Buick CENTURY

Submodel: CUSTOM | Engine Type: V6 | Liters: 3.1 Fuel Delivery: FI | Fuel: GAS

The front wheel bearings are sealed, non-adjustable units which require no periodic attention. They are bolted to the steering knuckle by means of an integral flange. You will need a special tool to pull the bearing free of the halfshaft: tool J-28733 or equivalent. You should also use a halfshaft boot protector tool such as J-28712 (Double-Offset joint) or J33162 (Tri-Pot joint) to protect the parts from damage. 1. Raise and support the vehicle on jackstands. Remove the wheel and tire assembly. Fig. 1: The hub bearing is part of the hub, so bearing replacement necessitates hub replacement

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Install a drive axle boot protector over the inboard CV-joint, tools J-28712 (Double-Offset Joint) or J-33162 (Tri-Pot Joint) can be used. Fig. 2: Install a drive axle boot protector over the axle joint

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Insert a drift punch through the caliper and into the brake rotor cooling fins. Clean the drive axle threads of all dirt and lubricant. Remove the hub nut and washer, then discard the nut. Remove the drift punch. Remove the caliper and support it on a wire, then remove the rotor. Fig. 3: Use the appropriate size socket to remove the hub nut, then discard the nut

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On ABS vehicles, disconnect the ABS sensor from the hub bearing. Remove the hub bearing-to-steering knuckle mounting bolts, remove the backing plate. Separate the halfshaft from the hub bearing assembly using tool J-28733. Remove the hub and bearing assembly, retaining bolts, shield and O-ring. Fig. 4: Remove the hub/bearing assembly-to-steering knuckle mounting bolts and the bearing assembly. The use of tool J-28733 or equivalent will aid in the removal

NOTE: If the bearing assembly is to be reused, mark the assembly and the steering knuckle so that the assembly can be reinstalled in the same position. To prevent damage to the bearing, DO NOT use heat or a hammer. 7. 8. 9. Using a punch, tap the seal towards the engine. When the seal is removed from the steering knuckle, cut it off the drive axle using side cutters. To install: Clean the gasket and the seal mounting surfaces. Depending on the application, use tool J-28671 on 198284 models or J-34657 on 198588 heavy duty models to install the new steering knuckle seal from the outboard side. On 198596 standard duty models, use tool J-34658 to install the seal from the inboard side. Be sure to grease the lip of the seal with wheel bearing grease. Fig. 5: Install the new steering knuckle seal on 198284 models from the outboard side using tool J-28671 or equivalent

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Route the ABS sensor wire through the steering knuckle and connect it to the ABS harness. Install a new O-ring around the hub bearing. Guide the halfshaft spines into the hub bearing splines and make sure they engage properly. Install the hub bearing onto the steering knuckle, install the backing plate and the bearing retaining bolts, then tighten the bolts to 63 ft. lbs. (85 Nm) standard duty or 77 ft. lbs. (104 Nm) for heavy duty. Install the rotor and place the caliper assembly into position on the rotor, then tighten the caliper mounting bolts to 28 ft. lbs. (38 Nm) for 198284 and 38 ft. lbs. (51 Nm) for 1985 96. Install the washer and new hub nut, then tighten the hub nut on the halfshaft partially to 74 ft. lbs. (100 Nm). If the rotor and hub starts to rotate as the hub nut is tightened, insert a drift through the caliper and into the rotor cooling fins to prevent rotation. Do not apply full torque to the hub nut at this time, just seat the bearing. Remove the drive axle boot protector. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Lower the vehicle, then tighten the hub nut to 225 ft. lbs. (305 Nm) for 1982 models or 185 ft. lbs. (251 Nm) for 198396 models.