"David T. Johnson" > wrote in message
...
> Private wrote:
>> "David T. Johnson" > wrote in message
>> diainc...
>> snip
>>> It's the wheel bearing.
>> snip
>>> Make sure they do a 4-wheel alignment after replacing it.
>>>
>>
>> WHY?
>> IMHO no alignment is required simply due to wheel bearing failure or
>> replacement.
>>
>> Good luck, YMMV
>>
>>
> Replacing the front wheel bearing requires removal of suspension
> components that must be aligned after they are reinstalled.
>

With respect, I am fully qualified and have replaced several Saturn S series
wheel bearings. While some suspension disassembly is required in order to
remove the steering knuckle/hub assembly, there is no need to disturb the
tie rod or lower control arm/sway bar or spring/shock/strut adjustments, and
the ball joint and tie rod connections are both tapered connections which
IMHO can be reassembled without disturbing alignment. The connection of the
hub to the spring strut is a plain bolted connection without any provision
for adjustment at the point of disconnection.

IMHO, this job does not require realignment unless its need is indicated by
other factors. Realignment would do no harm but advisability probably
depends more on the capabilities of the repairer.

This job does require equipment (press & press tooling, maybe welding
equipment for old bearing removal) that is usually beyond that of the
average DIY mechanic, but if this equipment is available (or can be
fabricated) then it is certainly doable by any experienced mechanical
person. If the job is done by the average repair shop then they are more
likely to also want to replace lower control arm/ball joints, (which may be
advisable as economic preventative maintenance depending on the age of the
vehicle) and any shop doing any volume of this work is likely to have
alignment equipment that they will want to make use of (and charge for).

If the OP is considering a DIY repair I recommend reading my earlier reports
of this job.

https://groups.google.com/groups/sea...&lr=&as_sitese
arch=&as_qdr=&as_mind=1&as_minm=1&as_miny=2011&as_ maxd=1&as_ma
xm=1&as_maxy=2011&as_ugroup=rec.au
tos.makers.saturn&as_usubject=wheel+bearing&as_uau thors=private&safe=off

job report is here
https://groups.google.com/group/rec.autos.makers.sa
turn/browse_thread/thread/dbd50d8ba022a28f/c3980cf51a2fabaf?lnk=st&q=group:rec.autos.makers.s a
turn+authorrivate&rnum=6&hl=en#c3980cf51a2fabaf

Just my .02, Good luck, YMMV