Guide: Replacing a 2007 - 2013 GMC Sierra 1500 Wheel Bearing & Hub

Oct 13, 2022by Max Johnston - Gearhead

You may not need professional help to replace the wheel bearing and hub in your GMC Sierra 1500. With the right parts and tools, you can do it yourself—and save money in the process! First, however, you’ll need to acquire the right parts for your vehicle. Use our handy tool to find high-quality aftermarket wheel bearings and hubs for your vehicle with a guaranteed fit.

Replacing Your 2007 - 2013 GMC Sierra 1500 Wheel Bearing & Hub? This is the part you need!

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We’ve put together a step-by-step guide to replacing the wheel bearing and hub on your GMC Sierra 1500—but first, let’s go over what these parts do and where to find them on your vehicle.

Exploded diagram of front wheel hub assembly

Via Jordan Bronson on YouTube.

What Does the Wheel Bearing and Hub Assembly Do?

The image above shows how the wheel bearing and hub assembly are positioned for many GMC vehicles. The wheel bearing and hub sit behind the rotor, and the rotor sits behind the wheel itself.

The wheel bearing is connected to your axle and is responsible for helping your wheels rotate by absorbing friction as you drive. The wheel hub is what keeps your wheels attached to the vehicle and allows you to steer safely. The wheel hub also contains the Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) sensor.

What You’ll Need Before You Begin

Here is a list of tools you will need before you begin to replace the wheel bearing and hub assembly:

2007-2013 GMC Sierra 1500 wheel bearing and hub assembly
15mm, 18mm, 19mm, 36mm sockets
Ratchet wrench
Floor jack
Jack stands
Lug wrench
Breaker bar
T30 Torx driver

Vehicle on jack Via Liveabout.

Step 1: Use the Jack to Lift the Truck

The first step in replacing your wheel bearing and hub is to loosen the lug nuts on the tires. Once loosened, use the floor jack and locate the jack spot on the undercarriage of the vehicle. Jack the truck up and secure it in place with jack stands.

Now, you can take the tire off by removing the lug nuts completely with a lug wrench.

Removing rotor Via WikiHow.

Step 2: Remove the Brakes and Rotor

The next step is removing the brake caliper. First, remove the hubcap located in the center of the wheel hub assembly. If there is rust buildup and you are unable to loosen it, you can use a flathead screwdriver to pry into the edges and remove it.

Behind the brake assembly, use a 19mm and 18mm socket with a ratchet wrench to remove the caliper bracket bolts keeping the brake caliper in place. At this point, you should be able to remove the brake caliper and bracket.

To remove the rotor, use a T30 Torx driver to release the torx screw holding the rotor in place. Once you have removed the rotor, remove the axle nut and washer in the center of the assembly that was under the hubcap you removed in step 1. If the axle nut is too tight to get off, use a breaker bar and a 36mm socket to loosen it.

Via YourMechanic.

Step 3: Remove the Wheel Hub Assembly

The next thing you’ll want to do is locate the ABS wire and unplug it. Follow the cord down and use a screwdriver to detach the wire at the two points where it is connected.

Next, check to see if your hub assembly is frozen by pushing on the axle. If it moves slightly, you should be in the clear! Using a 15mm socket and ratchet wrench you can now remove the three bolts holding the hub assembly in place. You should now be able to take the wheel hub assembly off the knuckle.

Via 365HubsPro.

Step 4: Place the New Hub Assembly on the Vehicle

Take the dust shield and place it on the new hub assembly and feed it onto the axle shaft through the center of the new hub. Replace the hub bolts that connect the hub assembly to the knuckle and tighten.

Next, Put the axle nut back on and hand tighten it using the 36mm socket. Reconnect the ABS wire at all three points of contact.

Using a torque wrench, torque the hub bolts you just put in to 133ft lbs. Next, torque the axle nut to 177ft lbs.

Step 5: Put the Rotor and Brake Assembly Back On

Now you’ll have to reassemble the rotor and brakes. Feed the bolts on the new hub assembly through the rotor and screw in the Torx screw that was removed earlier.

For the brakes, first mount the caliper bracket. Then reinstall the brake pads and caliper.

Via YourMechanic.

Step 6: Put the Wheel Back On

The final step of the process is to put the wheel back on the wheel assembly. Hand tighten the lug nuts on the wheels, and lower the vehicle back on the ground removing the jack stands.

Use the torque wrench to torque the lug nuts to 140 ft-lbs each in a star pattern. Put the cap that covers the lug nuts back on and you’re done!

Video Walkthrough

If you need a visual reference for any of the steps above, we’ve got you covered. Check out the video below for a closer look at the process of replacing your wheel bearings and hub for this vehicle:

Get the Right Bearings & Hub for Your 07-13 GMC Sierra 1500

We hope this guide made the process of changing the bearings and hub assembly for your 2007-2013 GMC Sierra 1500 straightforward and smooth. Let us help you find the right parts for your vehicle and contact us to have your questions answered by an experienced member of our team.