Front wheel bearings what size socket are the Spindle Nut?

Tiny
TDF
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
  • 2.2L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 178,000 MILES
What size socket are the Spindle Nut?I am hearing 20mm (no), 29mm, 30mm, 1-3/16".
What does GM say? What does someone that is done a bearing job know as correct?
Monday, January 23rd, 2017 AT 8:43 AM

8 Replies

Tiny
LOU P
  • MECHANIC
  • 118 POSTS
Hello, as long as its the original nut it should be a 1-3/16 or loose 30 mm.
The easiest thing to to is go to the parts store, have them pull a new axle with nut and use that as the best guide, but from memory it should be a 1-3/16".
Lou.
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Tuesday, May 4th, 2021 AT 1:46 PM
Tiny
TDF
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Lou, you are very correct (I used a 30 mm, as they were out of 1-3/16")! The interesting part is that the replacement bearing comes with a nice new 1-1/8 nut, so I needed to buy two new sockets. Thanks for the information!
1-1/8" = 28.575mm
1-3/16"= 30.1625
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Tuesday, May 4th, 2021 AT 1:46 PM
Tiny
LOU P
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No problem sir, the aftermarket world does what it wants, lol. Glad you got it and I was able to help. :)
Lou.
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Tuesday, May 4th, 2021 AT 1:46 PM
Tiny
LOU P
  • MECHANIC
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Oh and also you can take your receipts and socket to another location and return it, just say it was the wrong size and you figured it out. :)
No need to hang on to tools you will not use in a long time if ever.
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Tuesday, May 4th, 2021 AT 1:46 PM
Tiny
STEVE W.
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That is very true. There are a few reasons though. One is that if they copy all the dimensions and shapes they can be hit for patent infringement so they change a few non-critical items to avoid that. Another reason can be that they feel an "update" was needed due to some "fault" in the OEM part.

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Tuesday, May 4th, 2021 AT 1:46 PM
Tiny
TDF
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Right now, the drivers side is half torn apart. I have removed the three torque screws, tapped the spindle in, used plenty of AeroKroil, but the bearing does not want to separate. I have gone from twenty ounces to twenty four ounces to a twelve pound mallet, now it is getting hard to get in the space to swing. Not that the car will live long enough, I will lube the surfaces on re-assembly. Any suggestions? I will definitely try the return the sockets game. Thanks!
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Tuesday, May 4th, 2021 AT 1:46 PM
Tiny
STEVE W.
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They can really glue in there from rust. I usually grab a torch or the big air hammer. If you do not have those try to hit the edge of the hub like you are trying to drive it sideways. Then alternate from side to side on the front. Good luck.
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Tuesday, May 4th, 2021 AT 1:46 PM
Tiny
LOU P
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Also, you can use a chisel between the hub and spindle evenly on both sides to free it up.
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Tuesday, May 4th, 2021 AT 1:46 PM

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