A GMC Yukon Owner's Guide to Replacing Wheel Bearings (2001-2014)

Is Your Yukon Making Strange Noises?

The most common sign of a failing wheel bearing is a noise coming from one of the wheels. You might hear a humming, growling, or grinding sound that gets louder as you drive faster. Often, the noise will change when you turn. For example, if the right front bearing is bad, the noise might get louder when you turn left, which puts more load on that bearing.

Other symptoms include:

• A vibration you can feel in the steering wheel or the floor.
• A loose or vague feeling in the steering.
• The vehicle pulling to one side.
• An active ABS or Traction Control 🎬 Watch this guide to diagnosing bad wheel bearings safely. warning light on your dashboard.

Choosing the Right Aftermarket Hub Assembly

For the 2001-2014 Yukon, you must replace the entire sealed hub assembly; the individual bearings inside cannot be serviced. While you can go to a dealer for a GM Genuine part, many high-quality aftermarket options offer a great balance of price and performance. Here’s a breakdown of the brands available.

Premium Brands (Highest Quality & Durability)

These brands are known for meeting or exceeding OEM specifications and are often the top choice for longevity.

• Timken: A leading name in bearings, Timken is well-regarded for its quality and durability. While some production has moved overseas, they are still considered a top-tier choice by many mechanics and owners.
• SKF: SKF makes premium bearings known for excellent materials and manufacturing. They are rigorously tested to match original equipment fit and function.
• FAG: A brand under the Schaeffler group, FAG is another premium option trusted for its engineering and reliability.
• National: A long-standing brand in the bearing industry, offering quality hub assemblies.

OEM & OEM-Equivalent Brands

ACDelco is the official parts brand for General Motors. However, there's a distinction to be made.

• ACDelco (GM Genuine): This is the same part that was installed at the factory. It's often made by a supplier like ILJIN.
• ACDelco (Gold/Professional): This is ACDelco's aftermarket line. While still a quality part, some users report a shorter lifespan compared to GM Genuine or other premium brands.

Standard & Economy Brands

These brands offer a more budget-friendly solution. They can be a good choice if you're selling the vehicle or have a limited budget, but may not last as long as premium options.

• Mevotech: Known for suspension parts, their hub assemblies are a solid mid-range option.
• GMB & WJB: These brands provide functional, lower-cost alternatives.
• Detroit Axle: Often the most affordable, but some owners report they may only last a couple of years.

Known Issues for 2001-2014 GMC Yukon

While there are no major GM-issued recalls for wheel bearings on this generation of Yukon, some owners have reported premature failures between 80,000 and 100,000 miles. Additionally, an aftermarket recall was issued in 2008 for certain National and Carquest hub assemblies (Part numbers included 515059, 515054, 515053) made between 2006 and 2007. The issue involved an inboard retention nut that could loosen and potentially cause a wheel to separate.

Frequently Asked Questions