Subaru Wheel Bearing Replacement Without A Press, How To Guide, Quick Version

Subaru Wheel Bearing Replacement Without A Press, How To Guide, Quick Version

Tools Used (see below for more and potentially cheaper options):
OTC 9-Way Slide Hammer Puller Set – http://amzn.to/2tCEOWZ
Orion 23 Piece Bearing Tool Set – http://amzn.to/2uchbpt

This is a full tutorial on how to change press in wheel bearings. It shows how to replace a bearing without a hydraulic press, and without removing the hub from the car. Please read the whole description and look below for time stamped highlights of the procedure.

Note that prices and branding of linked products may vary, and I try to only link currently available products.

Other Tool Options (check for lower prices):
Capri Slide Hammer Set – http://amzn.to/2uctFh6
Neiko Slide Hammer Set – http://amzn.to/2sJNnwi
Cartman Slide Hammer Set – http://amzn.to/2tC9aZy
Astro 23 Pc Set (high grade bolt) – http://amzn.to/2t89o7v
TMS 23 Piece Bearing Set – http://amzn.to/2u2l8fX
ABN 23 Piece Bearing Set – http://amzn.to/2tC5K9m
Dragway Tools 23 Piece Bearing Set – http://amzn.to/2sYynyT
ATD Tools 23 pc. Bearing Tool Set – http://amzn.to/2tCflwQ

The Really Nice Tools:
OTC Hub Grappler Full Kit – http://amzn.to/2u2u84K
OTC Hub Grappler Puller – http://amzn.to/2uckGN0
OEM TOOLS Hub & Bearing Kit – http://amzn.to/2sYkbWF

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For more car repair videos, please check out my playlist on the subject:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkgH3Gva41fvpVPHvoV0hTnYHzIKTrkMP

This is the shorter and more concise version of these steps, though it still includes the full process to change a bearing. I made this version for those who are more mechanically experienced or want to save time. For a longer, more detailed version, please view the video at this link:
https://youtu.be/WT_3Bxjnnbk

I decided to make this tutorial because I could not find a detailed video of the process on YouTube for this type of bearing replacement. Any video I found typically involved removing the entire knuckle from the car and placing it in a hydraulic press. Many videos also show incorrect procedures which may damage this type of bearing.

I attempted to address all these issues by showing how to do this job without a hydraulic press or removing major components from the car. This also means no suspension components are affected and alignment will not change. This is also the cheapest way to change a press in bearing correctly, as the tools needed can be had for around $150.

The car in this video is a 1993 Subaru Impreza. However, this procedure is applicable to many cars from most manufacturers. Especially smaller vehicles from Japanese manufacturers. Even if you have a different car, many of the steps in this video may still apply. Always check the proper procedures for your vehicle, including torque specs. If you have ABS, remember you may need to remove the sensor!

0:04 – Tools required overview
0:20 – Axle nut unstaking
0:48 – Jacking up car, jack stand, wheel removal
0:56 – Axle nut removal
1:05 – Caliper and rotor removal
1:23 – Ball joint castle nut removal
1:44 – Trick for ball joint removal
2:26 – Sway bar link disconnection
2:35 – Ball joint pulling from arm
2:37 – Axle pulling from hub
2:42 – Ball joint reinstallation
2:55 – Hub puller installation
3:02 – Slide hammer installation
3:18 – Hub and bearing pulling with slide hammer
3:47 – Retaining ring removal
3:55 – Outer race removal overview
5:00 – Outer race removal from knuckle
6:43 – Outside seal cutting and removal
7:04 – Inner race cutting and removal
7:56 – Inner race installation overview
9:13 – Outside seal installation
9:50 – Inner race installation on hub
11:18 – Cleanliness and rust note
11:41 – Outer race installation overview
12:04 – Outer race installation in knuckle
13:20 – Retaining ring installation
13:33 – Hub and bearing installation overview
14:05 – Hub and bearing installation in knuckle
15:30 – Inside seal installation
16:36 – Axle and nut reinstallation
17:18 – Ball joint tightening and torquing
17:40 – Rotor and caliper reinstallation
17:56 – Axle nut torque spec and procedure
18:20 – Axle nut tightening and torquing
18:26 – Axle nut staking
18:47 – Sway bar link reconnection
19:11 – Wheel reinstallation, lower car
19:21 – The finishing touch!
19:29 – Thanks! Please like, comment, subscribe!

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Comments

Anhtuan Phan says:

One of the best videos on bearing replacement I've seen. Should I get an alignment afterwards?

Blaine Cummings says:

great help " worked like a charm" thanks B.C.

GlockMonk says:

Very good camera work, narration, and explanations! Thank you so much.

Gary Englund says:

Video was great. I was able to hear every word clearly. Now to get the tools. THANKS

Fonick 02 says:

Great video thanks

Art Vandelay says:

good video dude. now i must decided, purchase HF 20 ton press or bearing press kit. it sure is nice not having to remove those knuckles though….

Bo Seng says:

nice thank you

Bruce Wilbur says:

Thanks for listing the link for the bearing press set. Good video; made doing my car easier.

B D Richardson says:

GREAT job with the camera, your speech is clear and easy to understand.

Shawn Powell says:

Thanks for the video!  I'm going to attempt this this week cause I don't have a press – seems to make sense.  I purchased recommended tools.  Quick question:  I'm going to swap out hub at the same time cause it seems economical. The one thing I don't see in this is the ABS piece that accompanies the hub (not sure what it's called) – i've seen other vids where they mention that the ABS sensor (or whatever it is) needs to make it on to the new hub.  Does this subaru you are working on have such a thing?

Cars Simplified says:

Those old style bearing sure do take a lot of extra tinkering to get right!
Did you pick Timken specifically, or was that just what was easy and nearby? What brand/type of grease did you use?

Get Famous OR DIE TRYING says:

sweet tutorial. subbed

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