How To Replace Front Wheel Hub & Bearing 92-99 Buick LeSabre

Difficulty: Advanced · About 150 min · Buick Lesabre

Replace a front wheel hub and bearing on a 1992–1999 Buick LeSabre, keeping the axle and brake components supported and tightening critical fasteners to the vehicle's specification.

Steps

1. Raise the vehicle and remove the wheel

   Remove the center cap and loosen the lug nuts while the tire is on the ground. Lift the front of the car, support it securely on jack stands, then remove the wheel.

2. Disconnect the axle and brake assembly

   Remove the axle nut using the correct socket and leverage, then unbolt the caliper and support it so the hose carries no weight. Disconnect the hub sensor lead and move the rotor clear of the work area.

3. Remove the hub assembly

   Push the axle end inward enough to free it from the hub splines. Access and remove the hub retaining bolts, then work the corroded hub loose evenly and withdraw it without damaging the axle or backing plate.

4. Clean the hub mounting face

   Brush rust and debris from the knuckle's hub seat until the new assembly can sit flat. Avoid removing metal from the mounting face, and check that the sensor wire path and backing plate are not damaged.

5. Install the new hub and reconnect components

   Position the replacement hub and backing plate flush against the knuckle. Reinstall its bolts and tighten them to vehicle specification, reconnect the sensor lead, then refit the rotor, caliper, and axle nut to their specified torques.

6. Refit the wheel and verify the repair

   Install the wheel, lower the car, and tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern to specification. Pump the brake pedal until firm, check that the sensor lead is secure, and listen for abnormal bearing noise during a cautious test.

Check your vehicle’s repair manual for exact specifications and fit.