**QUESTION**Wheel Bearing

[MPoser]

Hey Guys:

I am about to tackle my rear wheel bearing for my 1987 325IS (5-speed). I'm shopping for parts and had a few questions after looking through the diagrams. I would love ANY help you guys can offer.

1. Preference to OEM-Genuine. FAG. or another off brand? WHY/Why not?

2. While replacing the bearing, are there any other parts I should order that most likely are failing that I should be prepared to replace and order now?

Thank you in advance!

[CabbE30]

FAG bearing.
Parking brake shoes.
Brake lines.

Thats just off the top of my head.

[MPoser]

Thanks! Friend recommended FEBI for bearings.

[e34john]

I've had to problems with SKF, stated using them because thats what we have at work, but I had a shop tell me Timkens were the best. You're doing both sides right?

[AndrewBird]

Add new lock plates for the hub nuts to your list of needed items.

[reelizmpro]

FAG sealed bearings, new lock plates that go over the nut once torqued and new nuts since you're there. You may or may not need new parking brake shoes, pads/rotors, brake lines, axles. Those are optional.

[TimKninja]

Buy a FAG bearing kit. The box they come in make nice gifts.

And may the force be with you. These rear wheel bearings SUCK FUCKING CHODE.

[Roysneon]

Buy a FAG bearing kit. The box they come in make nice gifts.

And may the force be with you. These rear wheel bearings SUCK FUCKING CHODE.

Buy/Borrow/make the proper tool and it's a freaking breeze. If your car is/was winter driven and has rust anywhere you may want to replace the rear backing plates while you're in there. It's like a $20 part and if your pins pull through later due to rust then you're doing this job all over again.

[MPoser]

Thanks guys! You all rock!

[e30_302]

One of the hardest parts for me was getting the axle back in the hub. It's a pain. Make sure the splines on the axle and the inside of the hub are absolutely spotless. Use no grease, there isn't room for it. I found with me pushing on the axle and a friend holding a 2x4 over the hub face and hitting it with a sledge it helped it go in. Changing the bearing is cake...with the right tools.

[AndrewBird]

Definitely get the tool to do it. Almost impossible without it. Use a bit of anti-seize on the axle splines. Putting it together dry is just asking for problems with it seizing to the hub over time.