1993 325is Rear wheel bearing replacement - United Bimmer Community

**vaneverc** · 04-04-2010, 03:07 PM

Can Anyone give an honest opinion on the difficulty of doing this myself. I ordered and received the wheel bearing kit which includes everything supposedly. However, I do not have the bearing puller tool...from what I have been reading without this tool the job is a real pain.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks so much

**3050rpm** · 04-05-2010, 10:29 AM

Yes, you will need the bearing puller. Beyond that, you may run into MAJOR difficulties with corrosion of the bolts. That nearly necessitated cutting the half shaft when I had to have my rear wheel bearing replaced ('95 model). Luckily, the mechanic I took the car to was knowledgeable and resourceful, and got at the bearing without having to sacrifice the axle.

Bottom line from my perspective-- depending upon one's mechanical knowledge and aptitude, the job can be a major one, and the unknown added complications from corrosion or whatever else on an older car (yours is two years older than mine) mean you're better off taking the car to a trusted mechanic.

**superandoy** · 04-06-2010, 11:04 AM

I was also planning to do it myself but I don't have the right tools with me. advice is to change both sides as well.

**3050rpm** · 04-06-2010, 08:33 PM

I'm not sure you really have to do both sides. When I had my left rear one done about a year ago, I asked the mechanic if the opposite side should be done too. He said no, if it's symptomless, then leave it; if it starts acting up, then do it. I thought that was pretty decent of the guy, he could have used it as a pretext to make more money off me, but he's not the type, and the money remained in my account instead of being transferred to his. Everything's been fine bearing-wise since.

It is a sizeable job, so I'd say take it to a reputable place, and let them do it in maybe half a day, whereas for the uninitiated it might take A LOT longer than that.

**Manolito** · 04-06-2010, 11:21 PM

I heated and soaked and broke two wheel pullers over a day and a half. Then I gave up and took it to my favorite shop where I take all the jobs I can't handle.

**vaneverc** · 05-18-2010, 10:00 PM

I ended up buying the B-90 Sir Tool...worth every last penny. Pulled the old bearing right out and pressed the new one in...re-installing the hub with the tool was simple as well. However, now I need to get the axle back inn. Is there only one way to line up the teeth or should it just slide back into the hub??

**kevzep** · 06-09-2010, 09:28 PM

Hi, how's it going?
I've done the bearings without any special tools, need a bit of knowledge and some imagination.
As for getting the axle back in, just make sure its clean, use and old toothbrush to clean it and put some oil on it before replacing. If it wont go easy use a piece of wood or something soft on the outside edge of th cv joint and tap with a hammer, after that use the hub nut to pull it through. The alighnment should'nt matter, but when you're taking parts out it is good advice to make alignment marks for refiting.