Changing wheel bearings

[Frank818]

If I want to start fresh with new wheel bearings on all 4 corners, I have seen some DIY instructions, requires tools and many little parts (seals, etc.).

http://www.rs25.com/forums/f105/42060-diy-wheel-bearing-replacement-8.html
http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2370239

If I don't want to do that myself I was wondering which smallest part I would need to buy new that would already have the bearings and seals in them? Is it a new hub? A new knuckle? Other?

Or maybe it's really worthless to do such a thing if the donor runs fine already.
But if the donor doesn't run, then maybe my questions above are valid.

[wallace18]

I replaced all my wheel bearings. The HF wheel bearing press kit worked great. Use lots of high pressure grease on the threads.

[Frank818]

Ok so it's not that bad to do it ourselves.

do you know if the bearing part #s are different from 2002 up to 2007, WRX vs Impreza?

I'm asking cuz I am looking at the part #s and seals #s too so that I can order along with my alu LCA from Somerset (Adam). Since I don't have the donor yet, I wouldn't want to order a part # that would fit on 2004 WRX and I would have a 2002 Impreza, see what I mean. :)

So that's what you got?
http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/401865-Review-of-the-Harbor-Freight-Wheel-Bearing-Tool

[Frank818]

Oops sorry I didn't realize that guy is not giving this tool a good review, it's just the picture I am interested in.

[wallace18]

Yes that is it. It is like any tool IMO. It is only as good as the person using it. I would not use it if I was a pro mechanic still but for the home mechanic I felt it worked fine. If I was you I would get my donor first and worry about the rest after. JMO.

[Frank818]

Yeah I start to figure that out too, I need the donor first. Getting very cold here and snow started (late this year, thank god though), I hate that, but I need the donor in order to spend some more money. loll

I'll do that, then order whatever part I wish to refresh. :)

[D Clary]

When you get the new bearings, take them apart and pack them with high temp synthetic grease. I use redline but there are many other brands. You will be surprised to see how little grease is in a new bearing.

[C.Plavan]

What ever you do, don't forget to put the rear caliper backing plate on BEFORE pressing the rear bearings in...... Don't ask me how I know....lol

[Frank818]

I got that kind of grease and usually tend to grease my stuff like that, yes.

I think you should post your statement to the Build Tips thread, in General section I think it is located. Worth it!

[SixStar]

Also, old mechanics tip, freeze the bearing and heat the spindle and they almost slide together. Then freeze the hub and heat the bearing.

I use a heat gun or a small space heater and either the freezer or just outside depending on the time of year.