GM Wheel Hub Bearing Torque Specs
- A wheel hub holds the wheel onto the vehicle and the hub bearing, located at the spindle of the wheel hub, allows it to spin freely. Wheel hubs come in three basic variations: hub assemblies with maintainable bearings, assemblies with replaceable, press-in bearings and enclosed hub units which require a complete hub unit replacement when the bearings wear out.
- Torque is the process of applying force to an object, in this case, the bolts holding the hub to the vehicle. This is measured using a torque wrench, which identifies the amount of force in foot pounds, and depending on the GM vehicle model, there are different torque specifications. GM determines individual torque specifications for its vehicle models to the weight, drivetrain type and intended use; the specifications determined are what GM considers to be sufficient to properly and safely hold the wheel on the vehicle, which is why similar vehicles have different torque specifications.
- The range of torque specifications for GM vehicles varies between front and rear wheel drive vehicles; a 1997 to 1999 front-wheel drive Cadillac Deville requires 118 foot-pounds of torque on the wheel hub, whereas a front-wheel drive 1979 to 1985 Eldorado requires 176 foot-pounds of torque. The torque specifications for GM wheel hubs generally range between 107 to 225 foot-pounds, depending on the year and model.
- Truck wheel hub torque specifications also vary greatly, with the majority of torque requirements for both GMC and Chevrolet trucks between the 155 to 180 foot-pound range. Variations in the drive system type can make for marked torque differences. For example, 1995 to 1997 GMC Jimmys require 180 foot-pounds of torque, but the wheel hubs on 1997 to 2001 Jimmy four-wheel drive models require 103 foot-pounds of torque.