Rear wheel bearing
- Thread starter Ant
- Start date
Couple of hours at least.
Replacing the rear wheel bearing is a very difficult job which requires quite a lot of specialty tools.
The rear drive shaft has to be removed and you need multiple special pullers (bmw specialty tools) to get the bearing and wheel flange in and out and a torque wrench that goes up to 300Nm.
If you decide to have it installed (by a 3rd party) I'd even recommend that you dont go to a 'local indy' but to a dealership or independant specialist that specializes in bmw. They have the proper tools that prevent the bearing being damaged when installing.
But are you sure the bearing is at fault? they are pretty bulletproof. Usually if noise is heard, it comes from the tyres (uneven wear).
The rear drive shaft has to be removed and you need multiple special pullers (bmw specialty tools) to get the bearing and wheel flange in and out and a torque wrench that goes up to 300Nm.
If you decide to have it installed (by a 3rd party) I'd even recommend that you dont go to a 'local indy' but to a dealership or independant specialist that specializes in bmw. They have the proper tools that prevent the bearing being damaged when installing.
But are you sure the bearing is at fault? they are pretty bulletproof. Usually if noise is heard, it comes from the tyres (uneven wear).
from reading online it seems the bearings fail pretty regularly tbh
but yeah i'm sure, had it in today to get it changed but the nut is pretty much sheared and corroded that's holding it on, so i've had to hold off as there was no guarantee that'd we'd have gotten it off (or back tight if we couldn't)
So going need to buy a new drive shaft and leave it till the mechanic has a full day before we risk trying to remove it, bit of luck can get it off and i won't need the shaft.
but yeah i'm sure, had it in today to get it changed but the nut is pretty much sheared and corroded that's holding it on, so i've had to hold off as there was no guarantee that'd we'd have gotten it off (or back tight if we couldn't)
So going need to buy a new drive shaft and leave it till the mechanic has a full day before we risk trying to remove it, bit of luck can get it off and i won't need the shaft.
After some research on YouTube,and having changed wheelbearings on most of my cars over the years,I have invested in some inexpensive 14mm pulling spindle,and a set of alloy press flanges to set about my first zed wheel bearing.Do not use a piece of 4" polypipe as it is not strong enough,but buy a Rothenburger immersion heater box spanner from your local B & Q!It fits exactly to the hub carrier flange,and fit the hub you removed previously to it for a distance piece.Excellent value.Also,regarding YouTube,One American chap shows dismantling well but then destroys the new bearing in fitting it incorrectly!You have to be selective!If you have a good selection of basic tools and a decent torque wrench,there is no reason to stop DIY.I now have a quiet rear end,and the kit to do same on the other side when required 
Any chance of a decent guide? I have a feeling if there are no snags it's an easy job, the issues come when the thing has welded itself on...