Chevrolet Astro, GMC Safari Repair & Service Manual 1985-2005

FRONT WHEEL BEARING CHECK, REPACK AND ADJUSTMENT
(Refer to illustrations 36.1, 36.6, 36.7, 36.8, 36.11 and 36.15)

NOTE: This procedure applies to 2002 and earlier models only. 2003 and later models have a sealed bearing (see Chapter 10).

1. In most cases the front wheel bearings will not need servicing until the brake pads are changed. However, the bearings should be checked whenever the front of the vehicle is raised for any reason. Several items, including a torque wrench and special grease, are required for this procedure (see illustration).



2. With the vehicle securely supported on jackstands, spin each wheel and check for noise, rolling resistance and free play.



3. Grasp the top of each tire with one hand and the bottom with the other. Move the wheel in-and-out on the spindle. If there's any noticeable movement, the bearings should be checked and then repacked with grease or replaced if necessary.



4. Remove the wheel.



5. Remove the brake caliper (see Chapter 9) and hang it out of the way on a piece of wire.



6. Pry the dust cap out of the hub using a screwdriver or hammer and chisel (see illustration).



7. Straighten the bend ends of the cotter pin, and then pull the cotter pin out of the locking nut (see illustration). Discard the cotter pin and use a new one during reassembly.



8. Remove the spindle nut and washer from the end of the spindle (see illustration).



9. Pull the hub assembly out slightly, and then push it back into its original position. This should force the outer bearing off the spindle enough so it can be removed.

TRANSMISSION | REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION

REMOVAL
(Refer to illustrations 7.14, 7.15a, 17.15b, 7.18 and 7.22)

1. Disconnect the cable from the negative terminal of the battery.


CAUTION: On models equipped with an anti-theft audio system, disable the anti-theft feature before performing any operation that requires disconnecting the battery or disrupting power to the stereo (see the Anti-theft audio system procedures at the front of this manual).


2. Remove the engine cover (see Chapter 11) and the transmission fluid dipstick.



3. On carbureted and TBI engines, remove the air cleaner assembly (see Chapter 4).



4. Raise the vehicle and support it securely on jackstands.



5. Drain the transmission fluid, and then reinstall the pan (see Chapter 1).



6. On 700-R4 and older 4L60 models, disconnect the TV cable from the transmission (see Section 4) and place it out of the way. Plug the cable hole to prevent leakage and contamination.



7. On 1995 and earlier models, disconnect the shift linkage from the transmission (see Section 12).



8. On 1996 and later models, disconnect the shift cable from the transmission (see Section 12).



9. On models equipped with a speedometer cable, disconnect it from the transmission and route it out of the way (see Section 10).

• Tune-up and routine maintenance
• Four-cylinder engine
• V6 engine
• General engine overhaul procedures
• Cooling, heating and air-conditioning systems
• Fuel and exhaust systems
• Engine electrical systems
• Emissions and engine control systems
• Manual transmission
• Automatic transmission
• Brakes
• Suspension and steering systems
• Body
• Chassis electrical system
• Wiring diagrams