Rear Wheel Bearing Replacement

MikeB7 · Post by **MikeB7** » Mon Feb 07, 2011 9:37 am

About to tackle these for the first time, and just looking for warnings or words of encouragement.

Any advice/experience/tips to share?
Anecdotal bits (it's a bear, it's no big deal)?

Thanks,

Mike W. · Post by **Mike W.** » Tue Feb 08, 2011 11:17 pm

I'm sure it's been done, but I don't remember reading about it and I know I've never done it, except on an E28 that is with the single bearing. The double bearing ones never go out. Well, never is a big word. Rare, very rare.

Odometergears · Post by **Odometergears** » Thu Feb 10, 2011 9:51 am

Recommendations are not to do it. They are sealed. Look at the drawing on the ETK or realoem.com

Talk to technicians at the dealer. You will need special puller tools and shims to put it back together. If you really want to do it, I have the bearings that I will gladly sell you under cost. Re-pack your half shafts and call it a good day. They sell the kits and they come with new grease. I also replaced all the bolts since some were buggered when they came out.

MikeB7 · Post by **MikeB7** » Thu Feb 10, 2011 9:55 am

Already have all parts in hand. Been through the ETK's and factory manuals.

Have very discernable play in the pass rear, so I didn't leaving it be was an option.

Also, what makes you say they're sealed? ETK (and parts in hand) are open. Thought the sealed units came in on much later models.

Pete K · Post by **Pete K** » Thu Feb 24, 2011 4:30 pm

Last time I looked, it was 2 ball bearings and some seals and misc. per side. I know the e21 has the sealed unit (money making exercise if you ask me!) and the stuff later than that.

Cheers

DMS · Post by **DMS** » Fri Feb 25, 2011 2:37 am

I replaced them last year and went from open to sealed bearings. It's ome work but doable without special tools. Just work slow and think before you act.