Front wheel bearings what size socket are the Spindle Nut?

2002 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
178,000 MILES • 2.2L • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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TDF
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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?
Jan 23, 2017 at 8:43 AM
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LOU P
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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.
May 4, 2021 at 1:46 PM
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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
May 4, 2021 at 1:46 PM
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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.
May 4, 2021 at 1:46 PM
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LOU P
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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 .
May 4, 2021 at 1:46 PM
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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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May 4, 2021 at 1:46 PM
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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!
May 4, 2021 at 1:46 PM
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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.
May 4, 2021 at 1:46 PM
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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.
May 4, 2021 at 1:46 PM