Wheel Bearing Replacement - Rear Drum Brakes |
So, it's time to replace your rear wheel bearings? Well, since the
races (which should be included with your new bearings) should be replaced at the same
time, and the drums themselves are probably pretty old, it's a perfect time to
replace everything with new parts. This
is also a perfect time to inspect and replace (if necessary) the wheel cylinders, brake
shoes, and parking brake cables.
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Tools: |
The replacement is
easy and can be done using a few common tools. |
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Preparation: |
When
beginning with new drums, the races must be pressed in. This is easily accomplished
at home with simple tools. |
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The
outer race can be tapped in with a large socket and a hammer. A piece of metal made
squarely hitting the socket much easier. |
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The
inner race is larger than most commonly owned sockets. This problem is easily
solved by buying a large washer and grinding the outer edge so it is slightly smaller than
the diameter of the race. Place the washer on top of the race, and using a large
socket, tap the washer until the race is fully seated. |
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With the races
installed, it's time to move on to the fun part. |
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Installation: |
Loosen
the wheel bolts, block the front wheels, release the parking brake, jack up the rear of
the car, secure on jack stands, and remove the wheel. Now it's disassembly time... |
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Remove
grease cap. Gentley tapping with a flat head screwdriver and hammer works well. |
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Remove
the cotter pin and nut lock. |
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Remove
the 24mm nut and thrust washer, and pull drum off. |
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After
packing the inner wheel bearing with grease, place it in the drum, and insert a new grease
seal. |
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Carefully
slide drum over stub axle. Pack the outter
wheel bearing with grease and place in drum.
Reinstall thrust washer and 24mm nut. Tighten nut until the
thrust washed can just barely be moved with the tip of a screwdriver using only hand
pressure. Install nut lock and cotter pin. |
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Fill
the grease cap with grease and reinstall. |
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Expenses: |
Inner Wheel
Bearing with race (2 required)
Outter Wheel Bearing with race (2 required)
Brake Drum (2 required)
Large Washer
Grease |
$6.50 each
$6.00 each
$26.00 each
$1.00
$4.00 |