Rear wheel bearings

turbotim2 · Post by **turbotim2** » 06 Oct 2005, 05:35

It looks like I may need to replace the rear wheel bearings on my 96 850 GLT Wagon. Are there any special tricks or tools I should know about before ripping it apart or is this a straight forward bearing replacement? Thanks!

Cossack · Post by **Cossack** » 06 Oct 2005, 09:36

https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/bearing.php

I did my front one earlier this year, I don't suspect this is much different. A good breaker bar (or better, an impact tool) is helpful. No special tools required, fairly straight forward job.

Good luck!

turbotim2 · Post by **turbotim2** » 06 Oct 2005, 10:06

Great, thanks, it looks pretty easy and I do have all of the tools.

turbotim2 · Post by **turbotim2** » 09 Oct 2005, 05:54

Just an update on the wheel bearing. I replaced the right rear wheel bearing yesterday as it seemed this was causing a loud moaning sound when turning left. I lifted the car and performed the normal bearing test and really couldn't feel or see any play so I removed the bearing to check it out. When I did, I noticed that it was made in Japan which didn't seem to me like an original part. The new one I got is an SKF (I think this is the OEM part) that was made in Italy. I got the part for $83 from my local parts supplier. Comparing the two, you can always tell Asian parts, very cheaply made with poor machining. Still didn't see anything wrong with it and my car only has 119k on it so it wouldn't make since that it has gone through 2 bearings in that mileage. I have not road tested it yet but will post my results.

BTW - the nut is in fact a 36mm like Tsquared suggests in his write up. Also, Craftsman does now sell a 36mm 1/2" drive socket, I picked one up before the operation for $6.99

turbotim2 · Post by **turbotim2** » 11 Oct 2005, 06:05

Well just as a follow up, changing the wheel bearing did not solve my problem. I will again sum it up if anyone has any ideas:

I get a moaning/squealing sound from the right rear wheel well area when I take left hand turns. It is quite loud. That tire is also wearing a little bit on the inside. I changed the wheel bearing and checked and cleaned all of the brake components while in there. Just as a note, hitting the brakes or e-brake while the car is making this noise has no effect on it. Thanks for any ideas.