Hub interchangability

[98legwag]

So my 98 L wagon 4eat needs a left rear wheel bearing. I am considering getting a lower miles hub with wheel bearing from a pick and pull. What I need to know is will a hub from another 2nd work even its a different final drive? I am trying to figure out if the spline count on the cv axle would be different for different final drive ratios. Thanks.

[ctbrighton]

You know autozone advanced pepboys and sny aftermarket wheel bearing supplier has all that information right?

[98legwag]

Yeah, but getting an entire hub/knuckle from the junkyard would save me a good bit of money. I have emailed a friend who owns a shop to see what he would charge me to replace the bearing.

[Wiscon_Mark]

I think the only difference in knuckles is between drum & disk brakes.

The only problem with your idea is you have no idea what you're getting with a junkyard - it could have bad bearings, too, given how common the issue was.

[98legwag]

I think the only difference in knuckles is between drum & disk brakes.

The only problem with your idea is you have no idea what you're getting with a junkyard - it could have bad bearings, too, given how common the issue was.

Thanks for the info. I have considered it and know its a gamble. I am hoping my friend will cut me a deal on changing the wheel bearing.

[98legwag]

Well my friend says about $400 including the parts. Looks like I will be taking my chances at the pick and pulls. Another question, I should be able to use a knuckle/hub from a 1st/2nd gen Impreza or Forester with disck brakes too right?

[nepbug]

If you're up for it you can do the bearing yourself. About $100 for the bearing/seals and about $100 for the tool from Harbor Freight.
http://www.harborfreight.com/fwd-front-wheel-bearing-adapters-66829.html
Don't forget a 20% off coupon
http://www.hfqpdb.com/

Walk-through using the HF kit:
http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1925081

[98legwag]

But the entire knuckle is about $20 from the pick and pull. I need to know if I am able to use a knuckle/hub from a 1st/2nd gen Impreza or Forester with disc brakes.

[nepbug]

But the entire knuckle is about $20 from the pick and pull. I need to know if I am able to use a knuckle/hub from a 1st/2nd gen Impreza or Forester with disc brakes.

First gen Impreza and Forester for sure
http://opposedforces.com/parts/info/28411AA000/

Second gen, I think is also compatible, I'm just not entirely sure if there were any changes to the caliper mounting points.

$20 is pretty cheap and probably worth the gamble. Just keep in mind that there is a high likelihood that you will be fighting the removal of the lateral link bolt and might also have to fight the axle removal.

I've had to remove entire lateral links because of bolts seized in bushings. And I also had to replace an axle before because I couldn't get it out of an old knuckle, bent my 12 ton hydraulic press trying to get it out!

So, I recommend putting a hand sledge in with your tools when you go to pull them, just in case you're having to beat on some stuff.

[98legwag]

Yeah, I am going with a few friends on Sunday. I just have to remember to take a 32mm socket for the axle nut. Two 99 Legacys went into the yard yesterday.

[Alphius]

Second gens don't eat wheel bearings as bad as later cars. In fact, my 230k mile Legacy has all original hubs and they are dead silent with no play. I've had plenty of good luck finding the cleanest, nicest looking hub in the junkyard and taking the whole spindle. In my mind, it's a no-brainer to spend the $20-30 instead of $400 and the likelihood of the replacement hub lasting another few years is really good. If it breaks within 30 days, I go get another one for free.

You can use the rear hubs from any disc brake equipped 90-99 Legacy, 93-07 Impreza or 98-08 Forester I am pretty sure.

[98legwag]

Thats exactly what I am thinking. My car has 175k miles and this is the first bad wheel bearing.