Front wheel bearing question

[vr2jetta]

The front wheel bearing is bad in my '90 325i. I have done research but I still have 1 question. I have a 3 jaw puller to pull it off, but how does it go back on? I heard there is a tool to press it in? My crappy Chilton is not that specific. It says something about "tighten the nut to press the bearing in" but I have read about a special tool needed. I think I read that someone used a large socket to tap it in.

I know that you have to replace the whole hub, but I dont quite get how it goes in.......I have never done one on this car, I am used to VW's 'lovely' bearings up front! I guess I am just concerned because I dont want to get caught without a car with my wifes job and me picking up the kids from school. I just want it fixed that day.

And I am aware I need to replace the nut, torque the new one to 250 ft/lbs and get a new dust cap. Thanks guys.

[Philo]

OK here is the rundown on front wheel bearings.

1. Autozone sells FAG hubs for $95. Those are the best bang for the buck. You want to replace both sides at the same time. You'll also need 2 locking nuts.

2. Use a guide and follow steps until you get to the removal of wheel bearing hub. At this point, try your luck at pulling it off. The last 4 hubs i've replaced, 3 pulled right off. If that doesn't work, you can use the bearing puller.

3. Clean off the old grease, make sure the spindle is not damaged, and apply some new grease to the spindle. CAREFULLY push the new hub STRAIGHT on to the spindle by hand. You should be able to push it all the way down. Some give a slight fight, and you can use the socket which was used to remove the locking nut, and lightly tap it on. Others are a bitch. For those I use the method of pushing the hub with the locking collar by threading it on the spindle.

4. To remove and install locking nuts, you will need a socket with a thin enough side wall to fit in between the wheel center and locking nut. I used a standard size socket with a very large breaker bar. I'll check the size in the morning.

[vr2jetta]

Thank you! I have the socket, I believe its a 32mm. I took it all apart to diagnose the problem but got to the bearing to find the nut was SUPER tight. I thought I could just tighten it up a little and be good but after it didnt budge when I gave it a decent pull I pulled out the book. Chilton says it is non serviceable, non adjustable.......damnit.

[Philo]

Yeah. It sucks that they cost a good amount, but you'll never have to do it again. Also, a heat torch will work wonders for getting the inner race off when stuck. On other vehicles thats all I use - no puller. Keep us posted on the project and let us know if you run in to troubles.

[z31maniac]

Buy the Craftsman socket. Fit perfectly. I've read others who have bought the cheapies have to grind down some material to fit.

[Van Westervelt]

How I wish e30 m3 front bearings were the same price, lol. $300+ a side.

[tonytony]

mine went pretty well, i pulled it off by hand and then i only had to put a bit of effort to put the new one back in, torqued it up, smashed the bolt lip onto the spindle, put the dust cap on and called it a day

[vr2jetta]

Thanks guys. Im feeling more confident now. I do believe the socket I have is craftsman. I have a number of large sockets from doing driveaxles all these years so I am just lucky I had the 32 that fit so I dont have to buy it too.

[Paukert11]

wait you said 90$????? wtf i payed last time 130 for one. But the thing is how long do autozone last?

[Gooch]

How I wish e30 m3 front bearings were the same price, lol. $300+ a side.

All you have to do is get an e28 front hub and swap the ABS rings. Instant $$$ savings.

[vr2jetta]

wait you said 90$????? wtf i payed last time 130 for one. But the thing is how long do autozone last?

Ive heard the ones at auto zone have a lifetime warranty, I believe they are timkens? Maybe FAG? Not sure but I read that is the cheapest place to get them and the are pretty good quality.
I hear you though, I hate going to auto zone for any parts......be it for the BMW or the VW's!

[Philo]

Here is the dealio on autozone. Their supplier is Timkin. Timkin boxes FAG wheel bearing/hubs. FAG is stamped right on the bearing in the hub assembly. FAG is an OEM part used by BMW. FAG is one of the best bearing makers out there - Producing bearings for EVERYTHING. The $95 is a very competitive price on this part. Buy with confidence.

[kishg]

Here is the dealio on autozone. Their supplier is Timkin. Timkin boxes FAG wheel bearing/hubs. FAG is stamped right on the bearing in the hub assembly. FAG is an OEM part used by BMW. FAG is one of the best bearing makers out there - Producing bearings for EVERYTHING. The $95 is a very competitive price on this part. Buy with confidence.

he's right.

[Jean]

+1 OR , take your hub out, buy the bearing and have a local machine shop remove the old bearing and install new. Should cost you price of the bearing and maybe $20 for labor.


OR this http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=141959

[speedblind]

I had to use a 3-jaw puller to get my bearings out, but the new ones slid on without issue. If things are tight, you can get some fine-grit sandpaper to clean the spindle and it will slide on. Use grease too.