replace wheel bearing or hub assembly?

[magnusk9]

OK so I recently bought a 99 boxster. It needs both rear bearing. I am pretty handing and like to work on my car myself.

However ater reading the DIY on the rear bearings it shows you need a tool and the bearings are pressed in so I figure the mechanic is the way to go. The local porsche guy says $800 for the job.
Now looking online I can get a can both the rear spindel assemblies for $300. I have done hub and bearing assemblies on domestic cars before without any problems..... so this seems like a better solution.

Am I missing anything? Any special tools needed?

[jcb986]

Have you looked at Pelican tech section on this subject. Me, I would find a Parts/Machine Shop who could remove and replace the bearing. Remember, the major cost is removing and hooking back up everything...that's where all the hours are.

[magnusk9]

True on the cost of labor... That is why I asked if there were any special tools needed.

[jcb986]

Ok, this is good how to do here in the Tech Section.....

DIY rear wheel bearing changeout -- not that hard to do....

or

http://www.arnnworx.com/catalog/

[magnusk9]

Wow that is even better.... looks like with the price of the tool and bearings I could just do it myself... I always heard removing the bearing was a nightmare.

Looks like I will be ordering parts and tools.

[magnusk9]

have you ever used that bearing puller before? Wonder how it works compared to the boxster specific one or even a generic one?

[Bala]

I just did all four bearings and can tell you that none of the auto store tools can do what the SIR tol does. I broke down and bought it after three days of struggling.The rear bearings are not that hard. However i was removing the entire suspension, axles etc so might have been easier for me than doing it on the vehicle. But cant imagine it would be too difficult. I would recommend you do the axle boot, grease while you are doing this.

I'm dome with the tool but dont plan to sell it. I can loan it to you if you want to use it. Pay a deposit for the tool, pay shipping back and forth and some beer money so I can go to the post office on the way to the beer store.

It is the full kit for the older version Boxsters so it will fit your hub. PM me if interested.

[magnusk9]

So I started doing the bearing today.... I bought the bearing removal tool but half way through I realized it did not have the hub extractor like the one below



.


I have one question.....How do you get the axle out from behind? They kind of glance over it in the tech article

[Bala]

If you are doing the rear you need the hub extractor. I was able to do the front without though it took me a couple days of trial and improvisation.

If you need the hub extractor let me know.

As for removing the axle, I removed the 6 bolts that connect it to the tranny, loosened the axle nut (wheel) until it was flush with the outer end used a small piece of wood as buffer and tapped softly with a rubber mallet. Watch the axle as it will probably be resting on the exhaust and it's heavy.

[Wret]

I use a universal hub puller like this one:
Walmart.com: OTC 7394 Universal Hub Puller: Tools

I didn't pay NEARLY that much for the puller. I think it was about $60. I've used it on several different vehicles.

I use the "puller" to push on the drive shaft until it pops out. Then back it out and put a socket between the end of the axle and the shaft of the "puller". Tighten back up and the the hub pops free.