Boxster rear wheel bearing replacement

[dghii]

I replaced my drivers side rear wheel bearing today after putting up with the noise for the last 6 months. I couldn't believe local indys were asking for about $600 to do one side but now I can appreciate why!

I took advantage of our Navy base auto hobby shop and went to work with bought a bearing from Autohaus for $39 and a new Axle nut from Rock Auto for about $3 plus shipping. Five hours later, I have a nice quiet rear end again. Yes I'm slow and I know why I don't mechanic for a living.

I was fortunate to have come across a thread on this site with an entry from Glyn, who had done this job on his own and had done a great job documenting his work. I printed out his document that he was so kind to email me and used it to perform my work. Given the access I had to a first rate shop, the parts that I though would be tough such as removing the carrier and pressing out the hub and bearing were actually not that bad. I did have one heck of a time reassembling the parking brake and connecting the cable. Although I had no problems removing the parking brake shoes and cable, I did spend considerable time replacing the items. Access to the parking brake cable was very tight. I also managed to install one brake shoe upside down, not realizing my error until I couldn't get the rotor to seat on the hub. Idiot.

I'd like to say that if I had to do the other side tomorrow I could do it in a fraction of the time of today's efforts but right now I'm not sure.

One thing I do know, I'm not doing the other side until it starts to scream.

Thanks again to Glyn. Anyone looking to do a bearing job shop ask for his instructions.

[JFP in PA]

You could have saved a load of time by using one of the B90 tools, which allow you to remove and replace the wheel bearing without removing the carrier assembly from the car (so no disassembly / reassembly issues), which more than makes it worth the money...............

Edited November 13, 2010 by JFP in PA

[dghii]

You could have saved a load of time by using one of the B90 tools, which allow you to remove and replace the wheel bearing without removing the carrier assembly from the car (so no disassembly / reassembly issues), which more than makes it worth the money...............

Needless to say I'm jealous. I would have loved to have access to the tool. Just don't think I can justify purchasing the tool for one ten year old car.

[dghii]

One other question...How long does the a wheel bearing change take with 'the tool'? My local indy was quoting 4.5 hours.

[JFP in PA]

He must be taking a nap; 2 hours, max.

Edited November 14, 2010 by JFP in PA

[JFP in PA]

You could have saved a load of time by using one of the B90 tools, which allow you to remove and replace the wheel bearing without removing the carrier assembly from the car (so no disassembly / reassembly issues), which more than makes it worth the money...............

Needless to say I'm jealous. I would have loved to have access to the tool. Just don't think I can justify purchasing the tool for one ten year old car.

There are adaptors to fit many other makes and models for this tool as well....................

[dghii]

Thanks for the reply about the labor time. I could certainly see 2 hours with the SIR tool. I bet I spent an hour trying to reconnect the parking brake cable at the hub. My only real goof was not realizing I had one of the shoes upside down (tired idiot by that point). Went so far as trying to put the rotor back on and could not understand why it wouldn't fit.....

I actually queried two different garages and both quotes were within $20. Both went with the book hours on their quote.

[questforbalance]

I replaced my drivers side rear wheel bearing today after putting up with the noise for the last 6 months. I couldn't believe local indys were asking for about $600 to do one side but now I can appreciate why!

I took advantage of our Navy base auto hobby shop and went to work with bought a bearing from Autohaus for $39 and a new Axle nut from Rock Auto for about $3 plus shipping. Five hours later, I have a nice quiet rear end again. Yes I'm slow and I know why I don't mechanic for a living.

I was fortunate to have come across a thread on this site with an entry from Glyn, who had done this job on his own and had done a great job documenting his work. I printed out his document that he was so kind to email me and used it to perform my work. Given the access I had to a first rate shop, the parts that I though would be tough such as removing the carrier and pressing out the hub and bearing were actually not that bad. I did have one heck of a time reassembling the parking brake and connecting the cable. Although I had no problems removing the parking brake shoes and cable, I did spend considerable time replacing the items. Access to the parking brake cable was very tight. I also managed to install one brake shoe upside down, not realizing my error until I couldn't get the rotor to seat on the hub. Idiot.

I'd like to say that if I had to do the other side tomorrow I could do it in a fraction of the time of today's efforts but right now I'm not sure.

One thing I do know, I'm not doing the other side until it starts to scream.

Thanks again to Glyn. Anyone looking to do a bearing job shop ask for his instructions.

[questforbalance]

How do I get hold of Glyn? I would like his photo instruction for replacing the rear wheel bearing.

[Loren]

How do I get hold of Glyn? I would like his photo instruction for replacing the rear wheel bearing.

and

[questforbalance]

How do I get hold of Glyn? I would like his photo instruction for replacing the rear wheel bearing.

Thanks!