Author Topic: Wheel Bearings - Rear Drums  (Read 1971 times)

Offline JMallows

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Wheel Bearings - Rear Drums
« on: 11 February 2010, 20:52 »
Hi all, just a little advice on the rear wheel bearings.

Two things really, one being a consequence of the other:

One, how can i tell if they need replacing, i have some noise at the back, but not sure if it is the rear axle bushes (do they make a noise?) I have replaced them in the past, and remember the noise they made, this sounds similar but slightly different...

Two, if they need to be replaced, is this an easy job i can do myself? Haynes suggests that you take off the wheel, then a few bolts, and the outer bearing comes out. Seems the inner bearing comes off after taking the hub off, but Haynes isnt very clear! Are there any guides anywhere?

Thanks :)


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Offline johnson6672

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Re: Wheel Bearings - Rear Drums
« Reply #1 on: 11 February 2010, 21:25 »
Its not as simple as that, yes itcomes apart not too bad till you get to the bearing races that can be a mare to get out.
To check if it is or not, jack up wheel and try rocking it, if it moves back and forth its the bearing.
Be careful with this on a mk2 with drums because if the bearing fails the drum will come off!!! wheel and all. It happened to mine and i ended up in a crash barrier, but mine was more because i didn't change the races only the bearings which is a huge mistake.
MK4 GTI T AGU, REVO Remap, BMC carbon box, Miltek cat back, Forge diverter valve, THS FR3 engine/Gbox mounts, Some random alloys, lowered on coilovers.
192bhp 212lbft torque.

Offline JMallows

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Re: Wheel Bearings - Rear Drums
« Reply #2 on: 15 February 2010, 19:11 »
That doesnt sound good! Do you have a guide on how to change these somewhere? And does anyone know how i can tell if the bushes need replacing?

Thanks


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Offline hayescappa

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Re: Wheel Bearings - Rear Drums
« Reply #3 on: 15 February 2010, 19:33 »
Jack up rear of car. 

Rotate wheels and check for play, if they sound rough the bearing knackered.

Remove cap in the centre of the hub to reveal the nut as shown on the haynes manual.

Wipe with a rag to remove the grease, remove the split pin, remove the nut locker, remove nut and washer, rock drum to remove bearing.

Next bit can be tough with drums, make sure the handbrake is off (duh!)

Rotate drum and pull back or off at the same time and work it off to remove drum.

Once off you will need to clean, you will se a bearing seat on both back and front, shiny thing the bearing sits into.

These will have to be tapped out with a hammer and punch.

Once out clean everything

Tap in new seat into position using a suitable socket, or round punch, ensure they are seated all the way down.

Grease up the new bearings.

Install rear bearing and then the new seal if it comes with the kit.

Push on the hub.

Install outer bearing.

Install washer and nut.

Rotate hub as you tighten the nut. 

Just give the nut a slight nip, and ensure the bearing runs freely without rock.

Lock up, with split pin and reinstate cap.


Offline hayescappa

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Re: Wheel Bearings - Rear Drums
« Reply #4 on: 15 February 2010, 19:46 »
Or you could try the Bentley Online manual, just posted, DUH! Again.   :embarassed:

Offline JMallows

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Re: Wheel Bearings - Rear Drums
« Reply #5 on: 15 February 2010, 20:42 »
Thanks for the info, will give this a go... Have just seen the bently manual too, and have saved it!

Thanks :)


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Offline ianmaxtec

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Re: Wheel Bearings - Rear Drums
« Reply #6 on: 17 February 2010, 07:51 »

Where can I get a copy of the Bentley manual ?

Offline ianmaxtec

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Re: Wheel Bearings - Rear Drums
« Reply #7 on: 17 February 2010, 07:52 »
BENTLY (without the ley)

Offline dan_apps

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Re: Wheel Bearings - Rear Drums
« Reply #8 on: 17 February 2010, 08:06 »

Offline ianmaxtec

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Re: Wheel Bearings - Rear Drums
« Reply #9 on: 17 February 2010, 09:27 »
happy days, thanks for that