Replacing front wheel bearings

[Doobit]

Front wheel bearing is needs replacing and I have a few questions.

1. there are 3 manufacturers on OCP website with greatly different prices. SKF (£106), MAPCO and VAICO (about £30) and Ruville (£60). Febi also about £80 I've heard of SKF & Febi, is there any real difference in performance/reliability/longevity if I spend more?

2. The job seems relatively easy in the Bentley guide unless something sticks or breaks. Although i'd need to buy a puller an a >200nm torque wrench, is it worth the risk or should I sent it to a garage to fix. Is the puller required for this anything special for this job or can I use standard Halfords type.

Any opinions or advice appreciated thanks.

[gromgsxr]

i would personally stay with a reputable brand. when i did mine after undoing the hub nut i was able to pull the bearings off with my bare hands. if it is a bit stubborn this type of puller may help: http://i1.adis.ws/i/washford/1440746196609?w=637&h=403

but you could have a harder time if it leaves the inner race of the bearing behind on the stub axle.

[Motorhole]

Big torque wrenches can cost a bomb! For stuff like wheel bearings, a big breaker bar, your bodyweight, work out how far away from the nut you have to stand to give the required torque

[Doobit]

Thanks fir the advice. I'll give it a go myself

[steve_k]

Big torque wrenches can cost a bomb! For stuff like wheel bearings, a big breaker bar, your bodyweight, work out how far away from the nut you have to stand to give the required torque

3ft breaker bar & a length of scaffold pole

also you can get a 200nm+ torque wrench for about £30,

like this one
http://www.machinemart.co.uk/p/cht141-1 ... ue-wrench/

had one same as this for over 6yr's, never had a problem with it.

as for pullers?? all comes down to budget really,
https://www.machinemart.co.uk/categorie ... g%20puller

as you can see the price is up & down.

[Doobit]

Thanks guys. Picked up a 200nm torque wrench and a puller for £100 this morning. Job was all over in 1 hour. Bit disappointed really had my heart set on a full days fettling!

[steve_k]

Don't knock it lol.

Some times it can take all day, at least the kit you've bought will come in handy again.