Rear bearing replacement

[The_Nietzschean]

Here is my situation. My rear bearing is shot. I have no tools except the ones that came in the trunk of my e30 (minus one wrench I lost while changing my water pump :(
I may be able to use my landlord's tools (he is an ex-mechanic but also a bit of a dick)
Would it be cheaper to start my tool collection, which I fully intend to do anyway, and do this job myself. Or should I take it to a shop before my wheel comes off on the freeway?

I was talking to a friend of mine who is a bit of a gearhead and he said the easiest way to do this (the car is my DD and my only car) would be to buy a new setup, take it to a shop to have them press in the bearings, and then swap it in one weekend.

Opinions?

[nrubenstein]

It makes sense for you to find a shop that will do it for a couple hundred bucks. For most people, it makes a lot more sense to just pay someone to do rear wheel bearings than it does to spend $400 on the special tool.

Call around. You might try RRT in Sterling (I know it's a bit of a hike from where you are), as well as others.

Swapping trailing arms is a significant pain in the ass - this only makes sense if you're going to do all the rear suspension bushings too. Mind you, you probably should.

[Schniddy]

Yeah your friend has the right idea, thats what I'm doing. Any other way and you're gonna be spending either a lot of money or a lot of time.

[jlevie]

The special tools needed to change the rear wheel bearings are close to $300. If makes no sense to get those unless you'll be doing the bearings of more than one car. Take the car to a shop and have the work done.

[The_Nietzschean]

thanks for the reality check guys..
anyone have a line on a good shop closer to fredericksburg or south of DC?

[thereisnoyun]

first of all, rear wheel bearing does not require special tool. You can make your own rod with a bunch of thick washers and it'll be fine.

after you remove the output shaft just find some washers the size of the rear opening, a long bolt, and use a impact and hammer it away. Works just like the same as the real thing.

you will need a 3 jaw puller to remove the race from the hub,

[Cruzer]

If you are stubborn and like doing it the hard way like me, you can basically do what thereisnoyun says. I bought a 3 jaw puller set ($16), slide hammer ($40), and a front wheel bearing remover set ($60) at harbor freight. The hardest part for me was getting the hub out but I just pounded the sh*t out of it with the slide hammer and ultimately broke the hammer on the very last blow. Otherwise, it wasn't that hard.

[Sean]

Is this the harbor freight kit?

http://www.harborfreight.com/fwd-fro...ers-66829.html

[Dave]

Is this the harbor freight kit?

http://www.harborfreight.com/fwd-fro...ers-66829.html

Yes. I just borrowed one from a Spec E30 racer I know in Cincy. I plan to do mine next week.

[Sean]

Yes. I just borrowed one from a Spec E30 racer I know in Cincy. I plan to do mine next week.

Right on. i was thinkin if grabbing it (have to get it shipped here, or drive to Champaign)

I ran by autozone, and they got something that looks like it may work. Anyone try the axle puller tool they have? My concern is the diameter won't match up with the outer race.