wheel bearings

[svxistentialist]

Originally Posted by NiftySVX

I do not see how there could be a procedure for repacking the bearings. There is one to check free play. To repack a sealed bearing system like this would require separation, which requires a press or the hubster, both of which destroy the bearing. The inner seal, like mentioned earlier in this thread, is prone to failure that can cause contamination. Replacing the inner seal is not really hard to do, and it isn't a bad idea. I would do it any time i had the rear axles out. Also, make sure you check the sealing surface for a groove, if there is one, the axle must be replaced! I've personally performed this service many times on my car and others, and I honestly believe it would NOT BE POSSIBLE to replace the wheel bearings without a press or a hubster. There is no way you could get the inner race off of the hub, much less push the new bearing onto it. Sorry guys, I don't see how you could do it without the hubster or a press.

In the How-Tos we have at the top, there are two documents about replacing wheel bearings. BOTH refer to using a hub tamer. I agree with Nifty. Do not touch this job unless you can do it properly.

Nifty, in my post I mentioned "repacking" the bearing and I suspect we have a communications gap here. To you, repacking may mean taking out all the old grease and replacing with new. This is not what I had in mind, and would be overkill.

What I meant was take off the front seal and pack up with good grease. If I was doing that myself I would replace the seal at the time.

Just for the record, in the Services and Warranties Booklet it says the following:

22) Front and Rear Wheel Bearing Lubricate:

@ 48 months or 100,000kms or 60,000 miles whichever occurs first.

Marked (I), which is notated as:

Recommend service for safe vehicle operation.

So the word is actually lubricate, not repack.

As you work as a Master Technician on vehicles, and I presume Subaru, can you tell us if this routine lubrication of the bearings is actually carried out by the dealers at 60,000 miles?

Joe

[NiftySVX]

Originally Posted by svxistentialist

In the How-Tos we have at the top, there are two documents about replacing wheel bearings. BOTH refer to using a hub tamer. I agree with Nifty. Do not touch this job unless you can do it properly.

Nifty, in my post I mentioned "repacking" the bearing and I suspect we have a communications gap here. To you, repacking may mean taking out all the old grease and replacing with new. This is not what I had in mind, and would be overkill.

What I meant was take off the front seal and pack up with good grease. If I was doing that myself I would replace the seal at the time.

Just for the record, in the Services and Warranties Booklet it says the following:

22) Front and Rear Wheel Bearing Lubricate:

@ 48 months or 100,000kms or 60,000 miles whichever occurs first.

Marked (I), which is notated as:

Recommend service for safe vehicle operation.

So the word is actually lubricate, not repack.

As you work as a Master Technician on vehicles, and I presume Subaru, can you tell us if this routine lubrication of the bearings is actually carried out by the dealers at 60,000 miles?

Joe

Unfortunatly I don't work on Subarus, I would love to but they just aren't that common here in Oklahoma. I work on toyotas, but I work with a former Subaru Master tech and he's never heard of anyone doing that, and we certainly don't do it on Toyotas with this type of bearings. It sounds good in theory, but I think the outer seal is pressed in first, so you can't take it out without removing the bearing. If I am wrong correct me. You could take off the inner (axle side) seal though, but I don't know how you would get the grease into the bearing, as the inner race is attached to the hub. This is something I definatly need to investigate further. I haven't done this in a long time, we never see this sort of problem on a Toyota unless the car has been in an accident. Lucky us!

[green_eyed_lady]

Originally Posted by 94SubieSVX

i think it means big freakin(change that to ...) hammer

Here at the SVXfiles garage (and ranch), we just call it a "Big FUJI Hammer"!

[svxistentialist]

Originally Posted by NiftySVX

Unfortunatly I don't work on Subarus, I would love to but they just aren't that common here in Oklahoma. I work on toyotas, but I work with a former Subaru Master tech and he's never heard of anyone doing that, and we certainly don't do it on Toyotas with this type of bearings. It sounds good in theory, but I think the outer seal is pressed in first, so you can't take it out without removing the bearing. If I am wrong correct me. You could take off the inner (axle side) seal though, but I don't know how you would get the grease into the bearing, as the inner race is attached to the hub. This is something I definatly need to investigate further. I haven't done this in a long time, we never see this sort of problem on a Toyota unless the car has been in an accident. Lucky us!

I trust what you are saying is correct. I let the shop do mine, so I don't have first hand knowledge.

We should ask Beav what is meant by this service item 22. Beav is a Subie Master Tech, although he sold his SVX a while back. He should know what it means.

I'm willing to bet it does not get done, either at 60K or later.

Joe

[svxistentialist]

Originally Posted by green_eyed_lady

Here at the SVXfiles garage (and ranch), we just call it a "Big FUJI Hammer"!

Weird pronunciation, Diana, but I know which hammer you mean.....

[lilbrudder]

hey nightrider, you should be able to do this your self if you have access to some type of press, a large socket set, a few basic tools, and you are at all mech. inclined. i've done this on two SVX's with good results, just make sure you take your time and think things through. new seals are a must, and dont get them confused, lable them if you got to, the inners and outters fit in the same but are not interchangeable, you will damage them if you put them in wrong and have to get them back out(this will cause early failure). about the grease, every one will tell you something different, i decided to only trust myself and repacked them with full synthetic bearing grease, it was under $10 i think, just think if it as good insurance for not haveing to replace the bearings again. those e-bay bearings are good but i found the same ones online for a bit cheaper, just do a search and save some $$$. e-bay not always the cheapest way to go, just sometimes. i'll shoot strait with you, it's a lengthy, frustrating, dirty job to do in your back yard but worth it if you want to make sure it is done right or don't have a couple hundred buck layin' around. this job could take you a day up to a week so plan on that, you don't want to rush things and be starting all over again. tip: if doesn't look like it will work, then it probabily won't, so don't, just go to the auto store and barrow the right tool. good luck, hit us back if you get stuck.