Front wheel bearing '05 XC70 observations and a question

[Faust]

I just replaced the driver's side front wheel bearing. When I finally got the bearing removed, I noticed a substantial amount of corrosion of the carrier. I was satisfied with wire brushing the corrosion and filling with epoxy steel. Moisture seems to be entering from the rear and working its way out. If I were doing the job again, I would try to estimate the amount of corrosion before removing the hub. 50% more and I think I would have had to replace the carrier. Also seems to have done a job on the ABS ring on the axle. I was able to just pull that off as it had split.

Question: The YouTube directions warn me to replace the bump stop for the steering which mounts on the caliper bracket. I don't recall removing one. Were these eliminated for '05? Teach me to take a picture first.

[BlackBart]

Is this a dry pressed bearing? Do they say not to put grease or anti-seize in there when your press it in?

I live in a dry place, so this is fairly rare. My inclination is to wire brush lightly with some PB blaster, maybe very fine sandpaper, and schmear it before pressing in the bearing.

[DonnVa]

I just replaced the front wheel bearings and ball joints on my 05 XC70 yesterday and you know, mine didn’t have those bump stop bars behind my caliper bolts either. I didn’t even notice that until you mentioned it.

[Faust]

Is this a dry pressed bearing? Do they say not to put grease or anti-seize in there when your press it in?

I live in a dry place, so this is fairly rare. My inclination is to wire brush lightly with some PB blaster, maybe very fine sandpaper, and schmear it before pressing in the bearing.

Yes, grease or anti seize is recommended. Corrosion was sufficient that the mounting hole was definitely out of round after I hit it with a rotary wire wheel. Were it not for the four bolts holding the hub to the carrier, I would have been concerned.

[Faust]

I just replaced the front wheel bearings and ball joints on my 05 XC70 yesterday and you know, mine didn’t have those bump stop bars behind my caliper bolts either. I didn’t even notice that until you mentioned it.

First, the 1A auto parts video features an '03. Living about 10 minutes from a Pick n Pull after noting from their inventory that they had an '05 XC70, I went there and inspected it. No bump stop bar. I am feeling somewhat relieved. Not remembering it, I was concerned with early onset
Alzheimer's. Couldn't find any helpful diagrams on the 'Net. An '03 in the yard had the bar.

[famfeld]

I always use like a 150 grit sand paper and wire brush on a drill. Never thought amount of rust was alarming when Ive done this job. Its important that bearing mounts flush because it would cause vibration if not, but Ive done this job probably 3 times and never had an issue here in New England. Tighten the 4 inverted torx bolts evenly and in sequence probably a good to torque to spec, although i never did. No bump stops on my 04 xc70. Also i always put grease in mating surfaces.

[- Pete -]

XC’s do not have the steering stops (bump stops). The taller suspension allows the wheel to turn further without rubbing. The lower slung V70’s & sedans have them as they will rub noticeably at full lock. 2 of my V70’s actually still rub at full lock even with the steering stops (properly adjusted). A lot of them do, but I have slightly wider tires which certainly contributes to this.

[Faust]

"Never thought amount of rust was alarming when Ive done this job. Its important that bearing mounts flush because it would cause vibration"
Although there was no practical way to measure it, the mating surface was severely corroded over about 40% of its surface. Fortunately, very little corrosion near the bolts and flat surfaces could be obtained there. Basically, there were "valleys" between the bolts.

[br0dy519]

side question about the wheel bearing job: are we able to change the front bearings on the xc70's without requiring removal of the strut to knuckle bolts or ball joint? I really want to avoid doing either of those again

[- Pete -]

That is correct.