Buick Wheel Hub CA Vehicle??

[TMoto]

My Regal (2001 LS 3.8 n/a) sounds like it needs a wheel hub & bearing assembly replaced. I'm looking on Rockauto and find AC Delco 2HF13187 #19235930 on wholesaler closeout for $70 which sounds like a great price for the Delco unit. When I get to the shopping cart, there's a note in red stating "Part is designed for CA Market vehicles". IIRC, the vehicle was originally sold in NM but either way, I don't understand why a wheel hub would be designated for a CA vehicle. Will this hub unit be fine for my application or am I asking for trouble installing it?

 

[Chris142]

Parts destined for Ca need special labeling. Usually warning about cancer possibilities from chemicles used during manufacturing the part.

 

[TMoto]

Thanks, that does make sense but you'd think they'd advise "acceptable for" or some such verbage rather than making it seem like it's a different design.

 

[TMoto]

I ordered it yesterday so we'll see soon enough.

None of the other options I considered (Timken or SKF) stated anything about CA vehicles.

BTW, could someone please post the torque specs?

 

[TMoto]

Delco box was labeled "Made in China". Wasn't happy but installed it last weekend anyway.

I Put a Timken unit on the other side this weekend. Nice and quiet now!!

 

[Merkava_4]

I've found the easiest way to pull the front hubs on my Buick is to leave the hub bolted to the spindle and pull the whole spindle with the hub still attached to it. Yes I'm serious. It's a lot easier than moving the wheel back and forth trying to get the right angle to pull the axle out of the hub. By pulling the spindle, you pull the hub straight off the axle - you don't have to move the wheel around.

 

[spackard]

The CA wheel hubs pull hard to the left.

 

[artificialist]

I'm surprised it said that because I only think of California-only parts for engines and smog devices that are built differently to further reduce smog.

 

[Stu_Rock]

I checked RockAuto, and they meant CANADA. It should be functionally identical to the US part.

 

[TMoto]

Thanks for the replies.

I don't think I'd consider pulling the spindle unless I had to. Unlike a previous Buick I owned, these came off without issue. A six-point flank-drive socket and breaker bar for the three hub bolts worked well. I think in some states with salted winter roads, it may have been another story.

Edit to add: I'm not sure I'm following you about having to move the wheel to remove the hub. I loosened the hub nut, rapped it a few times with a rubber mallet so the shaft is loose. Remove the three hub bolts from behind the hub and it comes straight out. The only thing to watch for is manipulating the shaft when passing the wheel sensor connector through.

 

[artificialist]

Originally Posted By: Stu_Rock
I checked RockAuto, and they meant CANADA. It should be functionally identical to the US part.

Sometimes the same make and model of car gets made in 2 or more countries, and a small number of parts are not the same.

But usually I only see this situation on a Toyota Camry.