Author Topic: Wheel Bearing Swap (Read 4159 times)

Brad Kenny · « **on:** July 28, 2015, 02:43:09 PM »

So after many thousands of dollars to make Lindsey all better after some engine issues including a huge engine upgrade, I have come to the magical point in her life that the wheel bearings need to be replaced.

I have a wonderful grinding (metal on metal) noise only when making left hand turns and have done the forward and backward check to see if it might be the rear differential. I am about 80% sure the right front wheel bearing is going and would like the collective groups opinion on replacement.

I have the financial means to replace all four, the question is: Should I? Or just wait for them to fail one at a time? Are the bearings wheel specific or generic for right and left/front and back? Any recommendations on using OEM, or is there a better product out there?

The car now has over 70,000 miles and a brand new engine. (Less than 1000 miles). I plan on keeping this car forever and continuing with several more power upgrades over the next year.

Any tips and tricks in replacing the bearings would be great as this will be a DIY project for the next couple weeks.

Ooh and Dave@DDM, if you read this; this is why Lindsey hadn't come back yet for her next power upgrade. Bringing her once on a trailer to you from Chicago was enough. LOL!!!

Rockchops · « **Reply #1 on:** July 28, 2015, 02:47:25 PM »

All 4 wheel bearings are the same part. I just did the right front on mine. They're held on with 3 bolts...super easy so long as everything isn't corroded together. Take off wheel, take off caliper, take off rotor then unbolt wheel bearing/hub assy. Installation is the reverse. I'd hold off on doing all 4 just because as a sealed hub/sensor/bearing unit they can be pricey.

Sent from an abacus

POS VETT · « **Reply #2 on:** July 28, 2015, 04:55:33 PM »

I'd replace the noisy one at this time.

Brad Kenny · « **Reply #3 on:** July 28, 2015, 05:00:44 PM »

Any recommendations for penetrating fluid in case of rust? This was a four season car for 5 years. I'm pretty sure all the bearings will be seized on the shaft.

So everyone is in agreement that the bearings are universal? Was going to just buy 4, never know when you need spare parts.

This should be a fun project in the near future. I miss working on my car and this will give me many hours of enjoyment.

I am also looking for the GM part numbers for the rear differential fluid and the additive so I can service my rear differential at the same time. Any resource would be great.

pcdestroyer · « **Reply #4 on:** July 28, 2015, 07:59:45 PM »

For penetrating oil: My .02 Kroil. http://www.kanolabs.com/ I've used just about everything else on the market. I use this now.

POS VETT · « **Reply #5 on:** July 28, 2015, 08:10:07 PM »

CT Solstice - I believe you didn't understand. The wheel bearing itself won't be pressed out and in; the whole wheel hub assembly would be replaced. It takes about 15 minutes to change out the hub. The hub assembly is attached to the hub carrier/knuckle by 3 bolts. It is possible that the bolts are rust-welded, but GM has been pretty good in this department.

Regarding the differential fluid, I've used Mobil1 synthetic gear oil (with premixed friction modifier) for GM clutch-type LSD and it works just fine. Do you expose your car to track duty?

elff · « **Reply #6 on:** July 28, 2015, 09:47:16 PM »

Kroil is awesome.
Everytime you use it a baby seal dies, but you will never have an issue with removing the bolt you sprayed it on.
It is sometimes referred to as Unicorn Tears.
It is simply that magical

cdnite · « **Reply #7 on:** July 28, 2015, 10:21:58 PM »

Quote from: elff on July 28, 2015, 09:47:16 PM

Kroil is awesome.
Everytime you use it a baby seal dies, but you will never have an issue with removing the bolt you sprayed it on.
It is sometimes referred to as Unicorn Tears.
It is simply that magical

^ THIS IS TRUE !!!

I have 4 bottles of these said Unicorn tears and they go on everything with threads or bolts, including firearms.

I also don't wash my hands after working with it because I love the taste of Unicorn Tears!

--Christian

elff · « **Reply #8 on:** July 28, 2015, 11:06:31 PM »

Brad Kenny · « **Reply #9 on:** July 29, 2015, 12:07:43 AM »

POSVETT, no track duty but she gets driven hard with a bit more horsepower than stock LNF with a special tune.

I'll get some unicorn tears before starting this project. I was looking for stock differential fluid with additive. I was hoping GM already had a premixed version available.

As far as the hubs go, the bearing still has to be mounted on a drive spline so that is where I'm concerned about the "rust seizing". I've had issues in the past getting my rotors off due to galvanic corrosion. (Winter salt and water plus use)

Brad Kenny · « **Reply #10 on:** July 29, 2015, 12:14:08 AM »

So my basic parts list would be:

Wheel bearings
Kroil
GM rear diff fluid with additive
Lots of elbow grease, knuckle blood, and luck.

Sounds like fun! My kind of project. Reminds me of the shock/spring replacement I did last year followed right after with rotors and pads. I spend way too much time in my fender wells. I really should spend more time in the driver's seat and less time fixing her.

elff · « **Reply #11 on:** July 29, 2015, 08:26:09 AM »

Rent a slide hammer from a local auto shop.
It makes that aspect of the job easy.

ihawk95 · « **Reply #12 on:** July 29, 2015, 12:14:33 PM »

Quote from: elff on July 29, 2015, 08:26:09 AM

Rent a slide hammer from a local auto shop.
It makes that aspect of the job easy.

Agreed. Wartie and I replaced one of my on my G6. Very similar replacement. The bearing was rusted in place and we had a hell of a time taking turns hitting it to get it off. Soaked it, hit it, soaked it some more, hit it, soaked it some more, hit it. Otherwise, the new one pops right back on and it's pretty easy. Shouldn't take you too long other than the beating part!

Helios · « **Reply #13 on:** July 29, 2015, 12:56:28 PM »

Quote from: ihawk95 on July 29, 2015, 12:14:33 PM

Shouldn't take you too long other than the beating part!

He's good at the beating [off] part. LOL!

elff · « **Reply #14 on:** July 29, 2015, 01:06:53 PM »

I would not suggest using Unicorn Tears for that

Sol Asylum · « **Reply #15 on:** July 29, 2015, 01:11:21 PM »

Quote from: elff on July 29, 2015, 01:06:53 PM

I would not suggest using Unicorn Tears for that

For beating off? Why else would the Unicorn be crying?

Brad Kenny · « **Reply #16 on:** July 29, 2015, 02:31:38 PM »

I didn't know unicorn tears had lubricating properties?!? LOL!!!

Definitely considered allowing a shop to do the replacement, but what fun is that?

Some things you just have to earn. Like a well running car, plus I'd miss all this beating off. What could be better than beating off for days and days. I guess my arm will get huge.

elff · « **Reply #17 on:** July 29, 2015, 02:47:42 PM »

Brad Kenny · « **Reply #18 on:** July 29, 2015, 04:02:42 PM »

That's a good one elff!!!

Brad Kenny · « **Reply #19 on:** August 03, 2015, 06:59:24 PM »

Problem solved.

Took the wifey for a ride and had her get out while I drove in circles around her. She definitely heard the noise coming from the right rear end. My first thought, rear differential under load.

Not being daunted by some simple fix, I jacked the car up and removed of both rear wheels. I found the right rear rotor guard was very very close, so after removing the brake caliper and brake rotor, I was able to pound on the steel "protector" effectively to get some more clearance.

Several minutes of pounding on my metal and vualala! I was spent and had to put my rear end back together. My wife helped me the whole time and was very excited. Especially for the after cleanup drive with the top down.

On a good note, Lindsey will be supercharged in mid September ala DDM Dave and Rotrex. Off to the next adventure.

Thank you everyone for your continued support.

Helios · « **Reply #20 on:** August 03, 2015, 07:48:54 PM »

Pfft. Rotrex...

Helios · « **Reply #21 on:** August 03, 2015, 07:49:46 PM »

Ha! Jk. Gonna put a Rotrex in the BRZ when the wife is ready.

Brad Kenny · « **Reply #22 on:** August 03, 2015, 08:04:57 PM »

Doing same build as you used to have except with Rotrex, already have the motor and heads built with injectors, just need the last few pieces on my bullet proof engine.

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Author Topic: Wheel Bearing Swap (Read 4159 times)