Replacing the Front bearing hub on the 850

jyossarian · Post by **jyossarian** » 25 Jan 2009, 19:00

I have a 1997 850 (non-turbo) with 106k miles. Recently, there is a wa-wa-wa noise from the front left wheel well that increases with vehicle speed. I can get the noise to stop by easing the steering wheel to the left. Reading through previous posts it appears that I need to replace the front left bearing hub. I plan on ordering from the hub and bolts from fcp and following these instructions (http://volvospeed.com/Repair/FWDbearingHub.php).

I'm looking for some advice from the guys who have done this before, such as:
While you're in there also replace...
Do the other side too...
Be careful of...
I had trouble with...
Those instructions stink, use these...
Don't order the part made by...go with OEM...
You need an impact wrench; I wasn't able to do it with hand tools...
36mm and E 14 torq are impossible to find...

Thanks for the help.

bigfinn · Post by **bigfinn** » 25 Jan 2009, 19:50

Actually quite easy if you follow the instructions on volvospeed.com. Helped my friend with his '93 850's right front hub last month. You may want to pick up some new bolts with the hub, since they will probably be badly rusted. I prefer OEM parts.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 25 Jan 2009, 20:45

You should be able to find everything you need...breaking the large bolt loose can be a pain...if you don't have power tools let me recommend a large breaker bar and also an extension...spray it down good w/ PB Blaster, starting now...and then for a couple of days before your hub comes...you'll still probably have to stand and jump on it to break it loose- at least that's what I'm hearing everyone say.

jyossarian · Post by **jyossarian** » 26 Jan 2009, 08:15

Thanks for the info - I'm going to spray the nut this afternoon.

Any restrictions / cautions on driving until the repair is done?

Post by **confused_al** » 26 Jan 2009, 08:53

...Don't order the part made by...go with OEM...

F.A.G. is the OEM. if you buy a "hub kit" (p/n 274378) , the new bolts and nuts come with it.

It would be a good idea apply some metal adhesive onto axle splines before put into new hub flange, otherwise you may experience vibrations on the highway. (This issue was discussed at VS sometime ago).

Good Luck!

ahuggard · Post by **ahuggard** » 27 Jan 2009, 11:29

I just did this on my NA 97 850 wagon (180k) and I ended up having to get a whole new steering knuckle as the bolts were absolutely fused with rust (yes I soaked it for days with PB, impact wrench, heat, etc.). If the hub comes out fine, it's not a bad job at all. If it has experienced some nice salty roads, you might have to chase down a used steering knuckle (I found one for $55) and go from there.

Good luck,

Alex
97 NA 850 Wagon
180k

JFO · Post by **JFO** » 27 Jan 2009, 14:44

As Alex said, they can be a problem to get off, so you may want to have a back up plan ready. I couldn't get the the large nut off with my breaker and a piece of pipe. I stopped short of jumping, but I did stand on it..no luck. I didn't have heat available ,so took it to the shop(local dealer). The tech said he had a tough time getting the hub off the axle also. There was no way I could have done it in the garage on axle stands.

Good luck
Jim

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 27 Jan 2009, 15:34

I guess there is at least one solution if the nut gets to be a bear that folks didn't mention...you could drill through the side of the nut (down to the threads) and insert PB Blaster directly to the threads as well as use heat (small butane torch from Harbor Freight is less than $5.00- it's good for one or two uses).