rear wheel bearing

[kevywevy]

ok guys, im just looking for some opinions on buying a new rear wheel bearing. im looking at this guy...
http://www2.partstrain.com/store/?N=117 ... 1+5916+141 (http://www2.partstrain.com/store/?N=11736+1719+4294967269+11921+5916+141)

since it is the hub assembely, would that mean i don't need to press in a new bearing? i thought the bearing was pressed into the housing/knuckle, not the "hub assembly." I have access to a hydraulic press, but is a pain in the ass, so i figure if the new bearing is already in there it would save me a lot of time!

any input would be great and any write ups that you can point me to would be pectacualar as well.
Thanks!
KEVIN

edit: and its for a 97 LGT sedan

[99susx2]

Warning: long text ahead... I just did this on my son's 95 LSI, so bear with me :wink:

I SERIOUSLY doubt that this has the bearing attached. I've replaced 3 of them and they run between $50 and $90 (front vs. rear, online vs. carquest) for JUST THE BEARING. On the same SITE the bearing is more than the hub.

This hub is probably the part that inserts into the bearing and the wheel bolts to it.

If you have access to a press, and take your time, it's not too bad. The worste part of the process is getting the ABS sensor out without damage. After you get the break disk (drum?) off, give it a healthy shot of penetrating oil (I like Seafoam's DeepCreep) on the sesor hold down bolt (both ends!) and around the metal base of the sensor.Then, let is sit awhile (overnight would be good).

Use a 6-point socket when you remove the sensor bold: you are less likey to round it off. Now, if it breaks off (and it might) DON'T PANIC. This is fixable (see below #). If you look at the top of the sensor plate (it's cam-shaped) you will see a small indent in the knuckle. Put a large srewdriver there and tap it (not too hard) with a hammer. Do the same from the bottom. Alternate, and BE PATIENT! It will loosen and you will be able to pry/twist it out.

# Now, if you broke off the sensor bolt, Use a punch to divit the center of te bolt. Then, starting with a 1/8 inch bit, drill through the bolt. Keep the drill running moderately slow and add a drop of oil periodically. Then, progressively move up, one bit size at a time. You may end up turning the remainder of the bolt out before you get up to the bolt size. If not, STOP DRILLING when you see the thread ridges in the hole and use a tap to clean it out...


Now, when you press the bearing into the knuckle, leave the plastic insert in the bearing. The inner race is 2 parts and you want to keep them alligned. Press on the OUTER RACE ONLY (I knocked the innerds out of my old bearing and ground the outside of it down a bit, then used it to press the bearing home). Install the retaining clip into the hub to hold the bearing in place. Then, when you press the hub into the bearing SUPPORT THE INNER RACE with heavy tube, so you don't blow the race out the back side, but the plastic insert can exit.

May sound a bit complicated, but just take your time.
If **I** can do it... :grin:

Good luck!

[kevywevy]

ok thats what i was thinking.

is there anything i need to know about the e-brake on the rear disc? do i have to take it apart or anything?

thanks for the detailed response.

[Airgne]

try hansonmotors.com for parts. i got 28% off MSRP

[99susx2]

Yes, you WILL need to remove the e-brake.
Keep track of which spring goes to the front and back.
Otherwise, you'll be taking off the OTHER rear wheel/disk to get your bearings (pardon the pun :roll: )

There is a little clip on the cable as it enters the knuckle. Pull that out and remve the cable from the Ebrake pad. The cable should pull out (it might need some persuasion, depending on the corrosion build up...


Oh! And when you take the (long) bolt out of the lower knuckle, don't forget that a little heat from a propane torch can go a LONG way to getting the nut off without damage. Just be careful not to melt any bushings along the way...

Prabably telling you what you already know...

[kevywevy]

oh man! im hoping you live in the rust belt!
hopefully it isn't so hard to take all my crap apart.
thanks for the lead on the parts!

[99susx2]

I think Minnesota is the rust belt BUCKLE! :lol:

[kevywevy]

does anybody have any pointers on how to get the seals int he back side of the housing? i just bent the hell out of one of them and gotta go buy another one tomorrow.