Author Topic: Replacing Wheel Hub on Front Tyre?  (Read 6707 times)

Offline dj.paterson

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Replacing Wheel Hub on Front Tyre?
« on: 11 April 2009, 18:48 »
Is it possible to replace the wheel Hub only without having to change the whole wheel bearing?

It is just that the threads on the Hub where the wheel nuts go have got worn.

I have managed to take the brake calipers and brake discs off. This is as far as i've got.

It is just that the threads on the Hub where the wheel nuts go have got worn.

If so could someone please tell me what tools would be required?

Many Thanks
David

Edit: Car is an 89' Golf GTI MK2 8V
« Last Edit: 11 April 2009, 18:52 by dj.paterson »

VeeDubGTI16v

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Re: Replacing Wheel Hub on Front Tyre?
« Reply #1 on: 11 April 2009, 18:54 »
i think you will find when you pull the hub out half the bearing will come with it

id remove the whole upright and take it to a garage with a press along with a new bearing and outer hub bit.

or maybe you could re-tap the thread?

Offline Ben Lessani

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Re: Replacing Wheel Hub on Front Tyre?
« Reply #2 on: 11 April 2009, 20:37 »
The bearing *shouldn't* come out, its held in at either end by some fairly large circlips. Just use a suitable sized socket, put it in a press and the hub will pop straight out the bearing housing.

Offline Diamond Hell

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Re: Replacing Wheel Hub on Front Tyre?
« Reply #3 on: 11 April 2009, 20:45 »
It's going to be a new bearing and hub, unless you get really lucky and manage to get the hub out without carrying one of the bearing shells out but this is extremely unlikely.  It's the inner shells that come out, not the outer shell, which is held in with the circlips.

If the threads are shagged then you'll not be re-tapping them.  What's beoing proposed here?  Using different size studs and drilling out the holes on the wheel to accommodate the larger studs?  :huh:  

Not sure that would be entirely sensible or at all cheap and quick.

Just buy a new bearing and flange.

You may well be able to wind out the bearing shell using steel plates and some M10 thread bar - I've done it before in the absence of a press.
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Offline Mr Blue

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Re: Replacing Wheel Hub on Front Tyre?
« Reply #4 on: 11 April 2009, 20:48 »
hi mate its easier to get a new hub.

Ive got a set you can have for free. If your local (bedfordshire) then pop round and there yours :smiley:
« Last Edit: 11 April 2009, 20:50 by Mr Blue »
:)

Offline dj.paterson

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Re: Replacing Wheel Hub on Front Tyre?
« Reply #5 on: 11 April 2009, 21:10 »
Thanks for the offer Mr Blue, however I am all the way in Somerset.

I don't need to fix the car quickly and want to try and fix this without going to a garage to gain experience etc.

So can anyone direct me to a suitable press, to get the hub off? Can one be purchased at Halfords? How much do they generally cost?

Also, if when trying to get the hub off, part of the bearing comes with it, how does one install a new bearing?

Thanks
David
« Last Edit: 11 April 2009, 21:11 by dj.paterson »

Offline daniel-1986

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Re: Replacing Wheel Hub on Front Tyre?
« Reply #6 on: 11 April 2009, 21:12 »
The bearing *shouldn't* come out, its held in at either end by some fairly large circlips. Just use a suitable sized socket, put it in a press and the hub will pop straight out the bearing housing.

or get a nice big hammer and tap it out with a suitable size sockect its what most garages do anyway

Offline whiter_than_white

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Re: Replacing Wheel Hub on Front Tyre?
« Reply #7 on: 11 April 2009, 21:23 »
as a mechanic i would definitly advise against the hammer/socket option, especially on a front wheel bearing! and as for buying a press unless you have a lot of spare cash i would seriously advise just using a garage, i'm sure if you got yourself a new/second hand hub and a new bearing any local garage wouldn't charge too much for pressing the bearing in. as for gaining knowledge, your really not missing much in just pressing in/out a bearing, there is more satisfaction gained just removing and refitting the hub.

Offline dj.paterson

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Re: Replacing Wheel Hub on Front Tyre?
« Reply #8 on: 11 April 2009, 21:50 »
So once I have bought the wheel bearing and hub and got a garage to press them.

What tools do I need to install the bearing and hub to the wheel and how do I do this?

Really appreciate your help

David

Offline Ben Lessani

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Re: Replacing Wheel Hub on Front Tyre?
« Reply #9 on: 11 April 2009, 21:56 »
You need a press to install the bearing into the hub.