Rear bearings need replacement

[richmon46]

I have to replace the two rear wheel bearings on my '92 SVX. Is this a job I can do myself? If yes, what is the procedure? Thanks for any info or tips.

[cdvs]

You can do the first part, at least. Try searching this forum. Plenty of info.

[ensteele]

It usually requires a bench press to make sure the bearings are put on right. Search for the issue of grease and other issues. Good luck.

[thumper_svx]

I've done both front and rear wheel bearings on my car... and last time I got both my rears replaced I had Sears do it.

Why? Well, although it's doable it's not easy. Also, you'll tend to find (as I did) that some of the bolts under there haven't been released since the car was built. As a result, removing some of the bolts can be troublesome to the point of almost impossible. Air tools are recommended, and even with the Hub Tamer kit (which I have) it's still very time consuming.

For less than $300 per axle, it was easier to just get Sears to do it... that way if they get stuck they've got tools that can release bolts and stuff. But make sure the tech working on your car knows about the packing grease / synthetic grease issues (search the archives)

Hope that helps!

[wannarace928]

Originally Posted by thumper_svx

As a result, removing some of the bolts can be troublesome to the point of almost impossible.

I had one of my rear wheel bearings replaced recently. It turned out the shop that did mine could not remove the control arms on the rear at all and had to cut the assembly off... a 280$ job turned into a 1100$ job.
Thats one wheel bearing I am glad we did not try ourselves!
Although in the past we have done them ourself. We would usually buy the bearing, take the whole hub off, take it to a shop and have them press in the new bearing. Usually saved about 140$ by doing this.

[richmon46]

Thanks for the info. After seeing the possible problems I think I will have it done.

[dannmarr]

You need the right tools. Be prepared to replace some nuts and bolts if they break. Parts are not always in stock, so you will also need to consider time in your calculations. I went as far as removing them, but had Subaru press them in for me for $65 each.

[SVX92-97]

We (my mechanic and I) did the rear wheel bearings on my 96 Lsi, and first of all you need the right tools, and it is time consuming. Took us about three nights after supper to do both sides. Mind you, we dont have any air tools, and most of the bolts are very hard to loosen. We did not remove the hub, we pressed in the bearings on the car. My mechanic has all these bearing removal and pressing tools, its incredible the amount of different little gadgets he used. Make sure to use Synthetic grease. I went with the Amsoil grease. Its red and looks like tomato paste. He only charged me $80 a side to remove and press in the bearings. Talk about a deal!!

[kwren]

Originally Posted by SVX92-97

We (my mechanic and I) did the rear wheel bearings on my 96 Lsi, and first of all you need the right tools, and it is time consuming. Took us about three nights after supper to do both sides. Mind you, we dont have any air tools, and most of the bolts are very hard to loosen. We did not remove the hub, we pressed in the bearings on the car. My mechanic has all these bearing removal and pressing tools, its incredible the amount of different little gadgets he used. Make sure to use Synthetic grease. I went with the Amsoil grease. Its red and looks like tomato paste. He only charged me $80 a side to remove and press in the bearings. Talk about a deal!!

Does the $80 per side include feeding your mechanic supper as well. That could "eat up" any savings! LOL!

[AlcyoneDaze]

I do my own work on my car, but I had my mechanic do the rear wheel bearings. Came in around $300 for labor, and I ordered my own parts,

wheel bearing
axle nuts
inner seal
outer seal

there are some good threads that list the exact part numbers, and stress the big time importance of repacking the bearings with new hi-temp grease. good luck!

[SVX_MY_BABY]

You may want to have the rear bushings and control arms inspected at the same time. Most of the work of repairing them is done already when the bearings are done.