Wheel Bearing is shot.. Anyone have any tips or tricks on replacing?

[Jbradley]

1993 525i 97,000 miles. The front left wheel bearing is groaning badly. I have sourced a replacement bearing but am worried I will need to buy a special BMW bearing puller to remove and replace the bearing.

Before I tear into it... Does anyone have any good advice on what specialized tools I will really need to have or if I can get away with borrrowing an Autozone bearing puller for this simple job ??

Here is a link I am using for instructions for this fix which says I need special tools:

http://www.ultimategarage.com/whlbrg.html


Thanks Gang!

I love this car (especially driving in S3 around town) :thumbup:

[Nick325xiT 5spd]

I believe that you just end up swapping the whole hub assembly. Assuming that's true, the tool you need is a socket big enough to fit the nut, and an enormous breaker bar. (I recommend a jack handle over a breaker bar.) The hub is torqued to about 240 ft-lbs., so it's on there tight. Other minor tools include a flathead screwdriver to pry the old hub off (no **** - it's that easy), a hammer, and a socket that will fit on the bearing race so you can tap it in place.

[liquidtiger720]

http://www.bmwe34.net/e34main/maintenance/suspension/wheelbearing.htm