Symptoms
Play at the top and bottom of the tire, a growl that changes on turns, or water in the hubs after crossings.
The fix, step by step
- Remove the wheel, caliper, hub and spindle nuts and slide the hub off.
- Clean and inspect the bearings and races, and replace them as a set if they're pitted.
- Pack the new bearings, fit a new hub seal and spindle seal, and reassemble, setting the bearing preload to the shop-manual spec.
- Reuse nothing that looks tired.
Tools & part numbers
- Spindle-nut socket
- race driver
- grease packer
- torque wrench
- shop manual
Where to buy the parts
GM Dana 44 and Corporate 10-bolt wheel bearing kit, Timken (per side)Offroad Design ↗Amazon ↗
GM Dana 44 and Corporate 10-bolt spindle seal and bearing kit (per side)Offroad Design ↗Amazon ↗
Hunting a used or discontinued part? Search eBay Motors for Chevrolet/GMC Suburban (1973–1991 square body) parts →
Rated for a competent home mechanic with a decent tool kit. Confirm torque figures, fluids and procedures against the factory service manual for your VIN, support the truck on stands rather than a jack, and work at your own risk (disclaimer). Some parts links are affiliate links, which pay us a small commission at no cost to you.