Wheel bearing on its way out?

[Ratz]

As per the title, I'm wondering whether I've got a failing wheel bearing. Rumbling definitely coming from the back, and louder on right hand bends (almost disappears on left handers). In a straight line it seems to kick in around 40mph. Hoping someones going to give me the good news that it's not the diff - but how can I tell whether it's one or the other?

Assuming it is the wheel bearing, how easy are the wheel bearing replacement kits from Autolink to fit, and will I need any special kit?

Cheers

[Mazda Mender]

Without test driving her, it does sound like the wheel bearing? do not try this yourself to replace, it is a garage job, if you do not have the right tools, fronts are easy, but do the two at the same time.
M-m

[Ratz]

Cheers Wayne.

I'm looking forward to stopping spending on this car and just driving it...

[Mazda Mender]

When i said the two, i meant both sides at the rear, not front and backs, thats only if it is the bearings are at fault, it needs to be tested before you do lay out on the wrong things
M-m

[Ratz]

Don't worry, knew what you meant

Is replacing the whole hub possible at home?

I'll get Ratz Snr on the diagnostics.

[Mazda Mender]

Yes, the problems with the rears is separating the hub from the half shaft splines, and if you are lucky enough to break them free, the bearing is a nightmare to get out without damage without the right tools(press)and you will have the same problem getting the new one in without a press.
If you want to hang back, i am having a tool made to separate the halfshaft splines from the hubs, the tool for removing the bearing and getting them back in has already been made ,which can be used with a vice on a work bench at home but i have not tried it yet.
M-m

[Ratz]

Sounds like a plan, let me know when you've got your magic tool

[Larz2000]

Dragging up an old thread and wishing I'd read it before ordering rear wheel bearing kit.
Anyway, with my enthusiasm only slightly dampened, I'm looking for advice.
First, removing hub from driveshaft. It will most certainly be rusted on. What's the best course of action here?
I do have a press to assist when the hub is off the car. I was thinking of freezing the hub and race then heating the race (only) and seeing if I can get it off then - press might help?
I'm all ears guys. Kind of kicking myself for not just biting the bullet and ordering hub complete with bearing though.

[Mazda Mender]

If your lucky the shaft will separate from the upright but you will need the help of a 10 ton press to remove and re insurt the new bearings buddy.
See if there is a friendly garage or machine shop local that will do it for a couple of £'s.
M-m

[Larz2000]

Couldn't be going much worse. Lower bolt from hub carrier to lower wishbone has snapped. Now have spring, damper, lower wishbone, abs sensor and hub carrier off car in one unit. Still, only 2 hours in. Plenty of time left.

[Mazda Mender]

Couldn't be going much worse. Lower bolt from hub carrier to lower wishbone has snapped. Now have spring, damper, lower wishbone, abs sensor and hub carrier off car in one unit. Still, only 2 hours in. Plenty of time left.

The joys of motoring....think how much this would of cost at a garage as they would of hit the same problems,,,,45 an hour in most cases ...
your having fun really
M-m

[Larz2000]

Phew! All ready for new parts. I was hoping the new bearing would have arrived today, but, now I have the long lower wishbone bolt and 2 bushes ordered, so it's be next week before I can get started.

[Larz2000]

Couldn't be going much worse. Lower bolt from hub carrier to lower wishbone has snapped. Now have spring, damper, lower wishbone, abs sensor and hub carrier off car in one unit. Still, only 2 hours in. Plenty of time left.

The joys of motoring....think how much this would of cost at a garage as they would of hit the same problems,,,,45 an hour in most cases ...
your having fun really
M-m

I totally agree. I really thought I was going to have to look for a hub carrier and lower wishbone too once what was left of that long bolt would not budge. I ended up hack sawing the bolt into parts, then when the wishbone was away from the hub carrier I could press out those bushes. I still had a short piece of the bolt remaining in the hub carrier so some heat and the press managed to break it loose. I'm roughly £80 in for new parts and a bearing splitter which, with the press, managed to get the outer race off the hub.

[Larz2000]

All done. Praying that the other side doesn't give up any time soon. Thanks for the input Mazda Menders.

[Mazda Mender]

Great news....time for some happy motoring bud...
M-m