Wheel Bearings? Can It be done?

[Sapper 157]

1984 GL Wagon, EA81

 

Is it possible to do wheel bearings myself? The shop here in town is gonna charge me $250 for them to do it (just labor,not including parts). And I really dont want to spend that kind of money. I have never done them before, and I have heard that some kind of press is required. Is it possible for me t to do it myself?

[joe5]

I just did this job last weekend. You can do it and you don't need a press. Just clean up the old bearing, and used it do drive in the new one.

 

Check this video out

 

I went the extra distance to take the whole knuckle out. I trusted myself more to be careful and keep it clean bringing it inside rather than doing it on the car.

[joe5]

This is for an ea82, but its pretty similar and the video is helpful.

 

Heres a link to a thread where its discussed explicitly for ea81

http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/topic/74755-wheel-bearings-a-photo-essay/

[ferox]

The rear wheel bearings are different than the front and require a different procedure.  I have an extra set of ea81 rear bearing new in the box and the tool to install them that I would sell you and send with the carb.  The rears last a lot longer than the fronts, so if they seem fine I wouldn't touch them.  I should be able to get the carb in the mail tomorrow...the past week has been a little crazy.

[rdweninger]

Yes, you can do it yourself.   I also remove the entire hub so I can work on the bench.

I build a wooden block structure (use screws) so the hub sits flat on the bench.

Also a good time to replace ball joints.   Maybe tierod ends if they are worn.   If you replace the tierod ends, you will need an alignment.

Use a brass rod to knock out the old bearings... ie drift punch   That way, you won't damage the inside of hub.

I did my front shocks at the same time.  Also rebuilt my calipers... and more brake component maintenance.

I use the sticky red premium grease.

2 bearings per wheel.  Should be a 6207-2RS.    The 2RS calls out a double-sealed bearing which will be pre-greased and sealed for life.

Or get an open bearing and pack it yourself.    If you have a bearing supplier, like Bearings Inc., they might be cheaper.

Don't forget the inner/outer seals.

The whole job should take about 2-3 beers.   Have fun.   It's a good opportunity to 'learn' your front-end.

[Sapper 157]

The rear wheel bearings are different than the front and require a different procedure.  I have an extra set of ea81 rear bearing new in the box and the tool to install them that I would sell you and send with the carb.  The rears last a lot longer than the fronts, so if they seem fine I wouldn't touch them.  I should be able to get the carb in the mail tomorrow...the past week has been a little crazy.

Okay Thanks a lot for the carb! sorry if ive been a pest about it.

 

I might have to take you up on the wheel bearing offer. I wasn't really planning on doing the rear ones, just the front ones; but since you made the offer, I just might have to take you up on it.