Tool selection for rear wheel bearings
 

Has anybody successfully used the rental tools from Autozone or other FLAPS to remove their rear wheel bearings while keeping the carrier on the car? The SIR tool kit isn't practical to buy for one time use.

Or is there a cheaper kit that does the same job?

Or if anybody has the SIR kit in the Houston area I would love to pay (money/beer/etc) for rental!

I bought the HF kit and it worked out fine. Meir is a member on this site and he can rent you the sir tool but he is in FL so shipping might be costly. The HF tool was about $100.

I also have the SIR tool, but it is in Raleigh/Durham NC.

It looks like the OTC Grappler + HF press kit is a good option for around $200:

http://986forum.com/forums/boxster-general-discussions/72020-wheel-bearing-replacement.html#post569389

With the benefit that you don't have to remove the rear brake shoes, which is required (at least on 2000S which is what I have) when doing the rear wheel bearings using the SIR tool (so the horseshoe can press flush)

You probably couldn't get the OTC Grappler from an auto parts rental but some of them might have the press kit?

Did it with HF tools
 

I used their large bearing separator and the bearing puller kit. One thing you will need is longer lug bolts, go to MrMetric and buy some of the longest ones you can find...proceed slowly and evenly when using the lug holes for pulling the race I buggered one of my threads and had to re-chase it.

addendum...I just checked and found that Mr Metric has closed it doors permanently , I hate this....they were a great source for hard to find fasteners

I went this route recently. With the Grappler you don't have to remove the emergency brake, which saves a lot of hassle.

What did you use to.pull the inner race off the hub? That was the hardest part for me, I could do the fronts but my mechanic had to do.the backs.

Agreed, had to take it down to my friend at my independent Porsche repair to press it off.

Breaking down the hub
 

Both of my rear bearings came apart diring the pull process.The outer part of the bearing stayed in the car and the inner was on the hub. I purchased one of the Harbor Freight presses and it came off easily....only time I have ever used the press.....but it was a good addition to the shop