S2000 Under The Hood S2000 Technical and Mechanical discussions.

How hard to replace rear wheel bearings?

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Old Jun 7, 2018 | 08:49 PM
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Default How hard to replace rear wheel bearings?

I need to replace my RR wheel bearing. How hard a job is this? I assume I'll need to take the knuckle to a machine shop and have them press out the old bearing and press in the new. And I'll need a ball joint separator to remove the knuckle from the A-arms. What else? Is this one of those jobs where I'll be cussing the thing all the way through or is it only mildly difficult? Would a used or rebuilt knuckle be a easier option?
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Old Jun 8, 2018 | 02:52 AM
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Not hard at all, you'll also need a 32mm socket and a 3/4 breaker bar to remove the axle nut. The hardest part is the cotter pins IMO. That and when the ball joint starts spinning on you while trying to thread and tighten the castle nut on. An impact of some sort makes things muuuuuch easier. Read the axle nut TSB make sure that sucker is on there, it'll keep your wheel bearing alive.
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Old Jun 8, 2018 | 03:25 AM
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36mm ^
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Old Jun 8, 2018 | 08:57 AM
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It's cake. Getting a properly tightened rear axle nut off is the hardest part for me.
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Old Jun 8, 2018 | 09:13 AM
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I think the job is more intensive than mentioned. You will need a press, and proper dies to support the knuckle properly. You will also need to cut the race from the hub, once the hub is removed from the knuckle.

The bearing needs to pressed by its outer cage only.

When pressing the hub to the bearing, the INNER BEARING RACE needs to be supported, not the knuckle.
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Old Jun 8, 2018 | 10:24 AM
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I should have added with the caveats of having the proper tools and replacing the hub instead of reusing. I have gotten it down to where the longest part of it is removing/installing the knuckle from the car. Rob's guide has some good step-by-step and pictures.

https://robrobinette.com/S2000Bearing.htm
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Old Jun 8, 2018 | 05:17 PM
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I also freeze my bearing before pressing in just to allow just that extra bit and heat the hub a bit to expand.

darcy
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Old Jun 8, 2018 | 06:38 PM
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Originally Posted by Billman250
I think the job is more intensive than mentioned. You will need a press, and proper dies to support the knuckle properly. You will also need to cut the race from the hub, once the hub is removed from the knuckle.

The bearing needs to pressed by its outer cage only.

When pressing the hub to the bearing, the INNER BEARING RACE needs to be supported, not the knuckle.
Okay, so what happens if you buy (still available) the entire axle assembly which includes the shaft, bearings, cup, CV boots, the entire enchilada, and install that instead?
Is this (yes, it it s $850 from the dealer) the easiest way to go if you don't include price of parts?
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Old Jun 8, 2018 | 09:56 PM
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If you don't want to press the hub and bearings....

Buy a used, complete knuckle or spindle and bolt it on.
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Old Jun 8, 2018 | 09:57 PM
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Originally Posted by cosmomiller
Okay, so what happens if you buy (still available) the entire axle assembly which includes the shaft, bearings, cup, CV boots, the entire enchilada, and install that instead?
Is this (yes, it it s $850 from the dealer) the easiest way to go if you don't include price of parts?
But OP has a busted wheel bearing. Not related to the axle.
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