2500hd Wheel Hub Assembly

[sack1]

My '03 2500HD, which we tow a heavy 5er with, developed a noise in the right front that could sound screetchy when turning right and also sound like bad joints going over abrupt bumps, etc. I have about 73k on the truck as is starting to require some TLC. Jacked off the ground, the front front wheel had very noticeable play in it. Enough to become scared just thinking about an all out failure and one with 13k of trailer behine me!!

 

Turned out the wheel bearing was shot. Bought an SKF assembly from NAPA for $225. In their book was a Chinese manufactured model for about $100 less. I went for the high priced spread in the thought a little of "You get what you pay for" would apply. I'll guess I'll never really know?

 

Anyway, with proper tools, such as the 36mm spindle nut socket plus new nut and torque wrench we went to work. Making the job of loosening the caliper bolts easier was to apply a little heat with a torch. Then they came out rather easily. We supported the caliper between the upper A-arm and simply installed and applied blue locktight when buttoning things up.

 

What a difference! Besides being totally silent now the truck runs much more sure footed over road irregularities. Makes me feel that this bearing has been going for some time? My suggestion, especially if you put a load on your truck, check them bearings! Will tacket the other side shortly.

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Yeah, the front left bearing went on my 2500hd at about 75,000 miles. Sounded like the brakes were dragging, not what you'd expect from a $43,659 truck, but hey I can't complain. That truck is still going like it was new!!

[hockeypro1411]

The bearing in these trucks aren't known for their longevity.. I've replaced both of mine (driver's side twice), but I drive off-road a lot and abuse them so I can't complain.

 

Good to hear you got everything fixed up and back on the road!

[sack1]

The bearing in these trucks aren't known for their longevity.. I've replaced both of mine (driver's side twice), but I drive off-road a lot and abuse them so I can't complain.

 

Good to hear you got everything fixed up and back on the road!

 

Do other brands have wheel bearing failures similarly? Or did the General go a little light on these?

[hockeypro1411]

The bearing in these trucks aren't known for their longevity.. I've replaced both of mine (driver's side twice), but I drive off-road a lot and abuse them so I can't complain.

 

Good to hear you got everything fixed up and back on the road!

 

Do other brands have wheel bearing failures similarly? Or did the General go a little light on these?

 

 

I'm not really sure about competitor brands. Some people go 100k plus miles without a failure, but it seems like an unusually large number of people see them fail very prematurely. The only bearings I've seen/heard of really lasting a good long time are Timkens. They seem to be the favorite among people here.

 

On a different note, it seems like GM did better on the GMT-900 bearings, however I hear about the 2wd hubs being kind of wimpy.