I'm still on with my rear underbody mini restoration on my 03 uk sti.
Iv got the rear hub/knuckle assembly off, as I'm re bushing all the rear anyway, now I'm thinking while it's off is it worth getting the rear wheel bearings changed, I would have to take it to somewhere as I don't have press or bearing spilters ect.
The bearings feel OK, 1 is a bit tighter than I expected but both feel smooth, cars got 85k on.
would you change them or just keep it is with current bearings in place? Any ideas of the cost for bearings and labour time if I take the rear hub/knuckle assembly somewhere?

 

I did it on my 03 JDM restoration, they are press fit bearings so more awkard then the newer bolt on bearings from 5x114 onwards..

Anyways , i got all mine from ICP...roughly €160-200 I think... then €120 to fit. I supplied hub to garage dismantled, still took them 3hours as the old bearing didnt want to come out.

 

Ah so costs a bit more than I expected to be honest, do you think it's worthwhile for piece of mind? Or not really needed?

 

Just about every Impreza ive owned has needed rear wheel bearings at some point, be worth it while you have it in bits just to do them.

 

That's what I thought, I haven't skimped on anything else so would be daft if I missed this out while it's all in bits. Thanks all for getting my head straight 👍

 

rear R180 bearings are very robust in general but have all parts on the shelf if required and can sort job also if required

 

In the past I have taken bearings to local garages and had them press them in for a tenner or so. I've no need to do that anymore but it's always an option.

I have found that Koyo bearings can be found at reasonable prices if you shop around.

 

85k?yes, if your funds stretch that far, have 'em done for peace of mind. Genuine bearings aren't expensive if you shop around. Don't settle for anything other than genuine or Koyo, tho'