I had new tires put on yesterday and the shop said they couldn't align my '99 Blazer because I had a bad front hub. To demonstrate, the mechanic rattled the wheel back and forth slightly. How can one tell the hub is bad versus a rim?

I assume this isn't uncommon with 114K on the odometer?

How hard is this to replace yourself? Any info would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Rick

Was the wheel lug nuts torque down?
If so trust your mechanic.
If the hub bearing is lose or making a noise replace it.
And do not use a 90 day wonder cheapo bearing.
Go good BCA/National or dealer OEM.

MT

nothing is out of the ordinary with an older age of vehicle

the oddest things happen for no reason at all and often

for example an uncle of mines 97 cavalier, it toasted the pass side wheel hub bearing last fall

60 bucks later all fixed and better after i replaced it for him

upper ball joints on these trucks, commonly fail and separate,
have seen it happen twice recently and can be very dangerous

many odd things happen at any given mileage

every vehicle is different, even identical ones

random

fix it and go again

its all you can do



good luck

How can I verify I don't have worn out ball joints? Someone else mentioned this also.

Thanks,

Rick

How can I verify I don't have worn out ball joints? Someone else mentioned this also.

Thanks,

Rick

Did the alignment shop not check them?

Jack it up and take the weight off of them and see if they move more movement beyond max specs.
MT

Did the alignment shop not check them?

Jack it up and take the weight off of them and see if they move more movement beyond max specs.
MT
I jacked it up yesterday and with my hands in the 12 and 6 o'clock position, I got play moving back and forth.

Was the play in ball joints upper or lower or wheel bearing play.
Have someone help you and look while you shake it.
Good luck
MT

Any tips for getting a rusted rotor off? I'm into the hug replacement job and can't get the rotor off. I don't want to pound on the dust shield so its limiting my ability to pound on the rotor with a rubber mallet.

So far I have removed the brake pads, and caliper brackets. Shouldn't the rotor come off at this point?

Thanks,

Rick

I believe on 2WD the rotor is part of the hub. Go to the online service manuals thread. It has procedure for hub and bearing removal.

Hope this helps

1999 2WD and 4WD hub assemblies are similar. The hub is attached to the steering knuckle with 3 bolts from the inboard side. Remove the caliper, caliper bracket and pads and the rotor slides off. Penetrating oil such as PB Blaster in the lug holes may help loosen it. Then remove the hub assembly.