2011 Aveo - Need help with right front bearing - shaft - strut - etc.

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Originally Posted by xintersecty

So did it work? If so congratulations. Mine needed more power than that.

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It sure did!

The first pic shows extreme force needed to break the bearing loose. You may notice I am not using the large PVC coupling. It's all metal doing the work. The washers and unistrut bracket caved in slightly, and I had to double up on the washers.

After the bearing broke "loose" (It is still very tight) I was lucky enough to not destroy the large PVC coupling as it travelled out of the knuckle.

Worked like a champ. Finding a 2-1/2" electrical PVC coupling with a 2-7/8" I.D was the hardest part. I wished for a metal coupling but couldn't find one at the local hardware store. Luckily the PVC coupling worked after it was broke loose.

Bearing job completed! Here's a few more pics. The first pic shows the new bearing installation using the old bearing as a spacer/guide.

The 2nd pic shows how I used two 1/8" allen wrenches and and pair of channel locks to install (and previously remove) the C-clip.

I have to say, I don't have that kind of patience working with it still attached to the ball joint, and turning it out manually.. But I also have a press.

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Originally Posted by petrified.rabbit:

I have to say, I don't have that kind of patience working with it still attached to the ball joint, and turning it out manually.. But I also have a press.

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Yes, a press and proper tools would have been so nice! But I already destroyed one ball joint boot. I was afraid to remove the lower one without the proper tools. (My pickle fork stabbed the 1st one.)

I kept thinking how many times I would actually use an automotive bearing puller, ball joint remover, c-clip remover etc. In this particular case, it wasn't an emergency, and I had lots of time to come up with DIY work arounds. I may have saved money, but I sure didn't save time. I agree I did it the hard way!

Lee

I decided to try and save some money and replace my front right bearing myself, you guys have a lot more persistence than I do. I'm regretting my decision. Now that i'm this far into it, (having the knuckle pulled) I can't quit now. Alas! How do I disconnect the abs sensor to detach it, to work on it? If I'm missing something simple, I'm doing this while under the flu. Only adding the joy of the whole experiance.