Over the past few years, our Pewter Rocket C5 has undergone numerous high-speed track tests in search of journalistic truth. These evaluations have included many laps at Road Atlanta and Moroso Motorsports Park, most of them quite spirited. Recently, we began hearing a low-pitched humming noise coming from the front suspension. The sound would cease when the steering wheel was turned hard in either direction. Upon closer inspection, we discovered that the car's front wheel bearings were the culprit.
We contacted Paul Lesinski, marketing manager for Corvette-suspension specialist Van Steel, and told him about our problem. Lesinski invited us to bring the Rocket by the shop for an inspection. After confirming that the car's front bearings did indeed need to be replaced, Lesinski recommended that we install the company's new heavy-duty front hub bearings (PN FB-9708 HD), which retail for $279.99 each. He even had an opening in the shop's work schedule if we wanted to have the job done that day. Seizing our opportunity, we grabbed our camera and got to work.
We had none other than Van Steel owner Art Dorsett perform the work. The first side took a little longer than usual, since someone kept poking his camera into the middle of the action. Fortunately Dorsett is a very patient chap, and he managed to get through the job without setting upon your author with a crescent wrench. With one side done, we had a chance to compare one of our stock bearings with the new Van Steel unit. The difference was obvious. The surface of the Van Steel bearing was much larger, and the quality was superb. With photos in hand, we left Dorsett alone to do the second side, a job he completed in a little less than an hour.
Once the car was back on the ground, it was time for a quick testdrive. The previous suspension noise had disappeared, no trouble codes were illuminated, and everything worked perfectly. If you've piled the miles on your Corvette, or if you participate in any sort of competitive driving events, it's probably a good idea to have your front wheel bearings checked. If you find that they're due for replacement, Van Steel's HD units are an effective, low-cost fix.
Wheel bearings are a vital...
Wheel bearings are a vital link between the wheels and the car. High-speed track events and upsized wheel/tire combos can put additional stress on your C5's OEM bearings, eventually leading to failure.
Begin by raising the car on...
Begin by raising the car on a lift. Van Steel uses a 4-point rotary lift to hoist our C5.
After removing the front wheel,...
After removing the front wheel, remove the two 21mm bolts from the inside of the upright that secures the caliper.
Next, remove the caliper (rest...
Next, remove the caliper (rest it on the A-arm) and the rotor. You're now ready to take out the front bearing.
Unplug the ABS connector from...
Unplug the ABS connector from the upright.
Use a T-55 Torx to remove...
Use a T-55 Torx to remove two of the three bolts behind the upright that secures the bearing.
The bottom bearing bolt is...
The bottom bearing bolt is countersunk into the upright as shown. It's necessary to remove the lower ball joint before removing this bolt.
Before removing the lower...
Before removing the lower ball joint, place a floor jack under the lower control arm. Leave 5 inches of clearance between the jack and the arm.
Use a long-handle, 21mm box-end...
Use a long-handle, 21mm box-end wrench to remove the lower-ball-joint nut.
Use a 3-lb mallet to tap the...
Use a 3-lb mallet to tap the lower upright and loosen the ball joint. Before tapping, place a piece of wood on the upright in the area shown to avoid damage. The ball joint will fall onto the jack.
Once the ball joint is free,...
Once the ball joint is free, raise the upright to clear the ball-joint stud and rest it beside the stud.
Next, use a T-55 Torx to remove...
Next, use a T-55 Torx to remove the countersunk third bearing bolt.
Use a flat-blade screwdriver...
Use a flat-blade screwdriver to remove the ABS connector from the metal clip.
Remove the old bearing from...
Remove the old bearing from the upright. Notice how the ABS metal connector flange is attached to the bearing. This piece will be reused on the new bearing.
Remove the new bearing from...
Remove the new bearing from its package and install the ABS connector flange.
Feed the ABS wire through...
Feed the ABS wire through the hole and insert the ABS connector flange and the bearing into the upright. Apply red Loctite or equivalent to the three bearing bolts and torque each one to 96 ft-lb.
Lift the upright back onto...
Lift the upright back onto the ball-joint stud. Gently tap the top of the upright while tightening the 21mm ball-joint nut.
Torque the lower ball-joint...
Torque the lower ball-joint nut to 20 ft-lb. Rotate the wrench 180 degrees and retighten.
Reconnect the ABS sensor....
Reconnect the ABS sensor. Install the rotor and caliper by securing the caliper with its two 21mm bolts. Apply red Loctite or equivalent to the bolts and torque them to 125 ft-lb.
Reinstall the wheel and torque...
Reinstall the wheel and torque each lug to 95 ft-lb using the "star" method. Go out and enjoy your freshly fortified Corvette.