Author Topic: tightening rear wheel bearings  (Read 7021 times)

Offline Godzilla

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tightening rear wheel bearings
« on: 02 July 2011, 00:22 »
I have been told by the MOT advisor that the rear wheel bearings need tighting.......How is this done?  Car is a 97 8v MK3 GTI.

Thanks in advance

 :smiley:
« Last Edit: 02 July 2011, 00:30 by Godzilla »

Offline thai-wronghorse

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Re: tightening rear wheel bearings
« Reply #1 on: 02 July 2011, 03:38 »
It's simply a case of removing the wheels, prising the dust / grease cap off the centre of the brake disc or drum. Beneath this you will see a split pin through the stub axle,  remove this with a flat screwdriver or long nose pliers so that you can get access to the retaining nut.
Unscrew this nut and remove the disc or drum, the bearings will come out with it.
Clean the bearings on either side with petrol or similar and allow to fully dry before regreasing them.
Reverse this process to refit making sure to only tighten the retaining nut as far as it will go by hand and not by socket just enough to remove any play.
Insert a new or straightened split pin and repack the dust cap with fresh grease and use a rubber mallet to reinstall. Bingo you should be sorted.
« Last Edit: 02 July 2011, 08:07 by thai-wronghorse »

Offline robz

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Re: tightening rear wheel bearings
« Reply #2 on: 02 July 2011, 08:04 »
Points to mention!
Always use a new split pin... As it is all that holds your wheel on! As if it's not making any noise just nip that nut up! Don't bothe it if you don't need to!


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Offline pigbladder

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Re: tightening rear wheel bearings
« Reply #3 on: 02 July 2011, 08:27 »
never over tighten the nut , its finger tight plus a smidge more

as said if its making noise just replace , and if you need it super tight to remove the play its worn out

i usualy fit the wheel and wobble it and ajust the nut until the play has just gone , dont be giving it an extra turn for good luck lol

Offline Godzilla

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Re: tightening rear wheel bearings
« Reply #4 on: 02 July 2011, 09:00 »
Thanks guys.....Great help!  Going to go out and tackle it now  :grin:

Offline tshirt2k

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Re: tightening rear wheel bearings
« Reply #5 on: 02 July 2011, 18:49 »
As above. If it's loose, it needs replacing. The nut should be tightened so that the washer under the nut can be moved with a screwdriver, without levering.


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Offline harlemex

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Re: tightening rear wheel bearings
« Reply #6 on: 02 July 2011, 19:19 »
spin the wheel while tightening to aid seating of the bearing. Tighten the nut till the wheel stops, slacken off and repeat. Finally do it one more time then slacken the nut just enough so the wheel spins freely (no friction).

Offline Wayne

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Re: tightening rear wheel bearings
« Reply #7 on: 02 July 2011, 21:31 »
Tbh for how little they cost, if it has play in it, then just fit a new bearing.


Offline thai-wronghorse

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Re: tightening rear wheel bearings
« Reply #8 on: 02 July 2011, 21:44 »
Innit, they only cost about a fiver a pop.