Rear wheel bearing replacement without removing carrier?

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by Kirk

I've done both rear wheel bearings, suspension changes, and axles all without separating the ball joint. I think it's easier to just disconnect the control arm at the eccentric bolt that sets camber and leave the ball joint alone.

Kirk

This is purely a matter of personal preference; with the car up, it only takes a second to pop the ball joint with the correct tool, which will also not damage the ball joint boot. Once the unit is loose, you use either the specialized tools from someone like Baum on the bench, or a standard bearing press. One of my tech’s leaves the hub ball join connected, another always pulls them; both methods work fine and there is no real difference in the amount of time it takes……………..