tozerman

i have a 97 classic turbo which needs a rear wheel bearing replacing. I was wondering if any one out there has done one of these, how easy is it and do i need any special tools etc ?. Beechdale of Derby are a bunch of idiots who rip you off, so I either have to do it myself, or if it is too difficult take it to TSL or Roger Clark. In two weeks I am going to France,switzerland and italy in it so it has got to be right....many Thanks in advance.

Danny Boy

iTrader: (2)

The parts will cost you about £120 from your subaru dealer.
To do this your self you need to remove the entire rear hub assembly from the car and take it to a local friendly garage to press the old bearing out and the new one in. It will also be alot easier if you have acesss to a impact wrench as the suspension bolts are done up very tight and can get rusted up. The only other tool you will need is a 32mm socket (i think) to get the drive shaft retaining nut off, this should be re tourqued up to 150ft/lb when you put the new one on. Also make sure the garage gets all the oil seals back in the right place. Should only take them about 15min to do the press work cost me a tenner last time i got it done (need to do another now!). You will save ure self alot of garage labour charges so it is worth the hassel if you don't mind gettin your hands dirty.

Dan.

tozerman

Ta for the advice mate it looks like it will be worth doing it myself although I will have to be carefull cos if I bugger it up we will have to storm the Autoroutes of Europe in the wifes 1.6 escort...not quite the same eh!!
thanks again i will let you know how i get on

Danny Boy

iTrader: (2)

All in a days work mate, would not want to c u on an autobahn in a 1.6 escort, where's the fun in that??

Dan.

tozerman

Just finiished! what a job....just to prove it pays to shop around,the main dealer in Derby quoted me £107 inc vat for a full wheel bearing kit, I managed to get one for £40 inc vat from a local motor factor (midland car parts 01332 378090) when i checked it against the old one the part numbers and manufacturers stamp on the bearing were exactly the same !!!!!! how's that for main agent rip off?.
The job itself wasn't too bad ,you were right danny about the old suspension bolts being difficult to get off, I had to saw one off and pay £3.60 for a new one. I managed to insert the new one into the hub using my very large bench vice without any real trouble, the hardest part was inserting the actual hub through the bearings in the hub carrier itself, it was such a tight fit I had to use a hammer to get it in. The only thing missing from the kit was a new hub nut (yes it is 32mm) that cost me £7.00 from beechdale. Just need to test drive it now that will have to wait untill tomorrow as it is raining....THANKS AGAIN DANNY.....

Danny Boy

iTrader: (2)

Cheers Tozerman, glad you found the instructions useful and my memory is still working! Where abouts is that Midland car parts?, cos im going to have to do my other rear bearing in the next few weeks makes it a bit easier on the wallet for £40!

Dan.

tozerman

Hi Dan

you will find midland car parts on Parcel Terrace in Derby. If you ask for Jason he is an old mate of mine he will help you out.. they might even do carriage!!!!

After the test drive the rumbling was still there so i had to do the other side as well...car is now ok and ready for europe!!!!!