Rear wheel bearings - How hard and what tools?

[Altrezia]

Hey chaps.

One of my rear bearings needs doing. I've already bought the bearings, but had planned to give them to a local garage to attack.

That said, I'd love to save a few quid and just wondered how hard it was to DIY? I've read horror stories online!

My car is running rear drums, and the driver's side bearing is really awful.

How hard is the job (anyone got a good guide with pics?) and what tools will I need (are there any that I don't *need* but will make the job easier?).

Thanks,
Al

[Andyboy]

Not a job I would do outside in this weather. Driveshaft off, and hopefully the shaft will drift out of the rear hub okay. The hub comes out with a slide hammer, but I use an old M20 crank bolt with a big nut to put in place of the driveshaft and beat it out with a big hammer - aim for the bolt head and they come out in 2-3 whacks. Big bastard circlip holds the bearing in, but the bearing is an F. tight fit in the arm. Forget hammers and chisels, you need the proper puller. The inner bearing race will come out with the hub and can be a real mare to remove. In the vice, grind a flat on it with a grinding disc and split with a sharp cold chisel.

In other words, pay a garage to do it. If all goes to plan it's 2-3 hours labour.

[GDBN]

Just had mine done ... no way was I doing that on the drive.
Even the mechanic said afterwards it was a b**tard of a job ... and he knows E30s

[capnmchl]

Got to be the 2nd worse job on one of these cars, after the rear beam bushes. Especially if you don't have the proper tools.

As above, just pay someone else to do it. This is one of those jobs where I'd say if you have to ask, you probably shouldn't be doing it.

[Altrezia]

Thanks chaps!

Any recommendations of E30 friendly garages near north hampshire, or should I just use my local garage?

[alan1272]

i took the rear arms off and had access to a press; it was still a twat of a job.

if your car has rear discs it's probably a good idea to replace the backing plates when you do the bearings to prevent future handbrake issues.

[hazd31]

drivers side is a pain, fuel tank can be in the way of one bolt, however once out its possible with a hammer and big sockets to get it out

[Brianmoooore]

Got to be the 2nd worse job on one of these cars, after the rear beam bushes. Especially if you don't have the proper tools.

Disagree! The worst job. I'd rather do beam bushes any day.

[GDBN]

Got to be the 2nd worse job on one of these cars, after the rear beam bushes. Especially if you don't have the proper tools.

As above, just pay someone else to do it. This is one of those jobs where I'd say if you have to ask, you probably shouldn't be doing it.

Fully agree ... and at the same time I got the rear beam bushes replaced.

[Altrezia]

Booked in for Thursday ;)