Front Wheel Bearing - 2000 Venture

I have to replace the front bearing on a 2000 Venture. It appears that the spindle has to be removed and the bearing pressed at a machine shop. Is this correct? I've done this before on a Windstar and is not that big a job. Just wondering if there is something out of the ordinary with the Venture that I need to be aware of.

Thanks!

Not correct. The front bearing is part of a sealed hub/bearing assembly that is simply replaced. They cost big bucks at the dealer (over $300), but I've had good luck with aftermarket replacements. Autozone sells them for $110 (Dynapak Wheel Bearing/Hub Assembly part number 513121 $109.99) It's not a tough job at all, but you'll probably need a large three prong gear puller to free the CV half-shaft from the hub assembly as well as a large deep socket for the axle nut (don't recall the exact size offhand). If you don't have one, I strongly recommend get yourself a Haynes manual for the van as it will save you a lot of time and headaches and pay for itself in no time.

Thanks AJT1961 for the help. I found all this out today and it seems a rather simple fix but pretty pricee. On the Windstar, the bearing and machine shop press cost me $50, but it's a much bigger job...the entire hub has to be removed to press the bearing. Will be doing the job on Wednesday.

Not correct. The front bearing is part of a sealed hub/bearing assembly that is simply replaced. They cost big bucks at the dealer (over $300), but I've had good luck with aftermarket replacements. Autozone sells them for $110 (Dynapak Wheel Bearing/Hub Assembly part number 513121 $109.99) It's not a tough job at all, but you'll probably need a large three prong gear puller to free the CV half-shaft from the hub assembly as well as a large deep socket for the axle nut (don't recall the exact size offhand). If you don't have one, I strongly recommend get yourself a Haynes manual for the van as it will save you a lot of time and headaches and pay for itself in no time.

I just did the wheel bearing on my van, the axle nut was size 33mm if that helps.

How did this go? I'm doing my '99 Montana towards the end of this month and I have a Haynes manual and am going to use the Dynapak from Autozone. Was it hard to get to the three bolts that hold the back hub?

How did this go? I'm doing my '99 Montana towards the end of this month and I have a Haynes manual and am going to use the Dynapak from Autozone. Was it hard to get to the three bolts that hold the back hub?

Its not too bad to get them lose. But if your like me and like to torque everything when you put it back together, that was a bit of a challenge.

OK, thanks, so basically after removing the caliper and caliper bracket, I need to pull the three bolts on the back of the hub, the axle nut, and use a puller to get the bearing out and reassemble? Was there a seal that needs to be replaced as well, or just the hub/bearing? Did you use the Autozone product? Thanks again for your input!

OK, thanks, so basically after removing the caliper and caliper bracket, I need to pull the three bolts on the back of the hub, the axle nut, and use a puller to get the bearing out and reassemble? Was there a seal that needs to be replaced as well, or just the hub/bearing? Did you use the Autozone product? Thanks again for your input!

Yes, you have the procedure down. There is no gasket. I used a genuine GM bearing, got it for Ebay for $90.

$90, good price!! Thanks again!

I also had no problems with the job. But be sure to use a six-point socket on the 3 hub bolts. They felt like they wanted to strip but all went well. An open-end wrench or box-end wrench will not work because of interferece with the back of the hub area.

Did you have to use a swivel to get a socket onto the 3 retaining bolts?

Did you have to use a swivel to get a socket onto the 3 retaining bolts?

Its possible to get the socket on without a swivel.

I always find that if you separate the lower -balljoint and slide the axle back in the hub its alot easier to take out the 3 retaining bolts.. For the minute it takes me (being experienced) its worth the time saved, especially working on flat rate :D

I just did the wheel bearing on my van, the axle nut was size 33mm if that helps.


I'm ready to replace a wheel bearing on my 2000 Venture, and went to Autozone and Advanced but they don't carry 33mm socket nuts, neither Sears does. Any idea where can I get a 33 mm axle nut?
Thanks in advance.

just stick a 34 mm on there, it will work, thats what we use in the shop
scott.

Mine turns out at exactly 1 5/16" and this is the socket I use; that is just a little over 33mm..in fact 33.3 mm...so I believe 34mm would also do the job with a some spare clearance.

Mine turns out at exactly 1 5/16" and this is the socket I use; that is just a little over 33mm..in fact 33.3 mm...so I believe 34mm would also do the job with a some spare clearance.

Thank you guys for your help. I'll try to do the job using 34 mm axle socket. I got a the part from 1AAuto.com yesterday $ 84 plus 12 delivery, total 96. I ordered on Tuesday and got it on Friday, quick delivery and good price.
Hope everybody have a great weekend.