Pontiac FIREBIRD 1972 Service Manual page 274

FRONT SUSPENSION 3-23
,
NOTE: In some cases it may be necessary to
back o f f brake adjustment to remove hub and
wheel assem bly.
Disc Brakes: Remove brake caliper assembly before
removing cotter pin, spindle nut and washer from
spindle. Then remove hub and disc assembly from
spindle.
CAUTION: Brake hose is still connected to
calipec therefore, caliper must be moved out of
way and supported so brake hose will not be
damaged.
C AU TI 0 N: When hub and disc assembly is par-
tially loose on spindle, remove outer wheel
bearing. DO NOT DROP BEARING.
5. Remove inner bearing from hub by tapping out inner
grease seal with a brass drift. DISCARD SEAL.
6. Wipe old grease out of hub and from spindle of steer-
ing knuckle.
7. Wash bearings in solvent and air-dry. Do not spin dry
with compressed air. Inspect bearings and races for
cracking, pitting, etching, etc.
CAUTION: I f necessary to replace either a bear-
ing (inner race and rolls assembly) or its outer
race, both bearing and outer race should be
replaced together.
When inspecting or replacing bearing (inner
race and rolls assembly), make sure the race is
free to creep on spindle. The inner race is de-
signed to creep on the spindle in order to afford
a constantly changing load contact between the
race and the roller bearings. Polishing the spin-
dle and applying bearing lubricant will permit
creeping and pre vent rust forming bet ween race
and spindle (Figs, 3-14 and 3- 15).
8. If necessary to replace an outer race, drive out old
race from the hub with a brass drift inserted behind
race in notches in hub. Install new race by driving it
into hub with a brass drift.
NOTE: Use care when installing new race to
start it squarely into hub, to avoid distortion
and possible cracking.
9. Use a bearing lubricator if available and thoroughly
lubricate bearing assemblies with new high melting
point wheel-bearing lubricant. Remove any excess
lubricant.
NOTE: Be sure bearing parts have been
thoroughly cleaned and air-dried because bear-
ing lubricant will not adhere to wet or oily
surfaces.
INSTALL
NOTE: Clean loose material from brake drum
on standard brakes with compressed air. Be
sure inner hub and bearings are covered. In-
spect lining contact area for grease. Clean with
a non-flammable non-toxic solvent (such as
denatured alcohol). Make sure wiping cloth
and fluid do not become loaded with grease
from repeated use.
Inspect brake linings for grease contamination.
Clean by wiping with a non-flammable, non-
toxic solvent (such as denatured alcohol).
1. Apply a light coat of lubricant to spindle and inside
surface of hub (Figs. 3-14 and 3-15).
2. Place inner bearing in race of hub.
3. Install a new grease seal in hub. Saturate felt type seal
with S.A.E. 30 engine oil and wipe off excess oil from
seal.
NOTE: Saturating felt type seal with S.A.E. 30
engine oil prevents absorption and retention of
moisture by the seal and improves resistance to
water entry into the front wheel inner bearing.
4. Drum Brakes: Carefully install hub and drum assem-
bly with wheel on spindle.
Disc Brakes: Carefully install hub and disc assembly
on spindle.
5. Install outer wheel bearing.
CAUTION: See CA UTION on page 1 of this
.
Section regarding the fasteners refered to in
steps 6, 8 and 10.
6. Install washer and spindle nut.
7. Adjust wheel bearings as outlined in this section un-
der ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURES.
8.
Drum Brakes: Check brake adjustment if needed.
Disc Brakes: Position caliper, install and tighten two
caliper mounting bolts to 35 lb. ft. torque.
9. Install dust cap on hub.
10. Disc Brakes: Install wheel and tighten nuts to 70 lb.
ft. torque.
11. Install hub cap or wheel disc.
12. Lower car to ground.