06 Malibu Front Axle Bearing Hub

[babbster]

I have a growling noise coming from the front, passenger side of my 2006 Malibu Maxx SS (49K miles). I am pretty sure it is the wheel bearing. I would like to replace it. I am looking for two things:

1. According to websites, different years use either a 34 or 36mm socket to remove the Axle Nut. Does anyone know which one for sure?
2. I have also seen varying torque values for tightening this Axle Nut. Does anyone know what torque value to tighten it to?

Thanx in advance!

[GMCSonoma]

Front Wheel Bearing and Hub Replacement
Tools Required
J 42129 Wheel Hub Removal

Removal Procedure
Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .



Remove the wheel drive shaft nut.
Remove the brake rotor. Refer to Front Brake Rotor Replacement .
Disconnect the electrical connector from the wheel speed sensor, if equipped with ABS.
Remove the wheel speed sensor connector from the bracket by depressing the locking tabs, if equipped with ABS.



Notice: Avoid tool contact to the outer constant velocity boot seal when removing the wheel bearing mounting bolts. Failure to observe this notice may result in damage to the CV boot.

Remove the 3 hub and bearing assembly bolts.
Install the J 42129 to the hub and bearing assembly in order to remove the hub and bearing assembly from the wheel drive shaft.



Remove the hub and bearing assembly from the steering knuckle.
Installation Procedure




Install the hub and bearing assembly to the steering knuckle.



Notice: This is a self-retaining fastener joint that does not require thread locking compounds. Do not attempt to clean the threads with a standard tap. If a standard tap is used, damage to the joint threads will occur.

Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

Install the 3 hub and bearing assembly bolts.
Tighten
Tighten the hub and bearing assembly bolts to 115 N·m (85 lb ft).

Install the wheel speed sensor connector into the bracket until the locking tabs click into place, if equipped with ABS.
Connect the electrical connector to the wheel speed sensor, if equipped with ABS.



Install the axle nut to the wheel drive shaft, hand tighten the wheel drive shaft nut.
Install the brake rotor. Refer to Front Brake Rotor Replacement .



Install the wheel drive shaft nut to the wheel drive shaft.
Use a screw driver or similar tool to stop the rotation of the brake rotor.
Tighten
Tighten the wheel drive shaft nut to 215 N·m (159 lb ft).

Install the tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
© 2008 General Motors Corporation. All rights reserved.

[babbster]

Thanks!!!

[Triple-X08]

36 mm nut, and then use a air hammer with a punch head bit to drive the axle out of the hub. dont hit the threads on the axle shaft.

and then you can sledge hammer the hub out of the knuckle, or you can air hammer it out.

disconnect your abs connector if equipped.

should take bout 20-30 minutes to do it.