Rear Wheel Bearings

[Gryphyn81]

Looking at having to replace my rear wheel bearings due too them been worn out at 48000kms , It's a 2010 2 door JK . Is there anyone who's had experience replacing these themselves ,that can give me any info what bearing assembly I need to replace the old with and what other items I may need to replace them myself . Is there any write ups on how to do this or anything I need to look out for ,"ie" trouble or unexpected difficulty. plus I will be replacing all break pads and a left rear wheel stud that has been cross threaded at the same time I will look at the bearings .Thanks in advance fellow jeepers .

[MightyMouse]

The same as replacing wheel bearings on most cars... no big deal.

The rear wheel studs are going to give you grief however..... they are odd ( not the same as the front ) and not available in the aftermarket so you'll need to go to the stealer.

I'd guess that's why some aftermarket axles use high tensile bolts or cap screws threaded in from the rear of the flange, and they are probably much better quality.

[Gryphyn81]

Cheers yeah going to order a set of 5 wheel studs from the dealer to sort that out , just worried the rear bearings is going to be a huge job that will be out of my league.

[timbotrog]

Before going to the dealership try your local Burson store. In the Nice catalog, that's the brand name, they have the listing for the front and rear stud & nut combo. I saw it last week whilst looking for black anodized wheel nuts.

[wrench]

The Nice studs for the JK rear are actually oversized. I have made them fit after the dealers supplied the wrong ones, but not recommended.

[Paul-JK]

One of my rear wheel studs snapped between Xmas and New Year when all the local suppliers were closed (though I didn't realise the likes of Bursons might sell them).
Got some send over from Rockauto and they arrived in a couple of days.
The freight for a few isn't much more than the freight for 1 so I got 5 and will keep the rest as spares.

[Hayesio]

You can get the studs from Quadratec, but postage might kill the savings if its the only thing you order.

Changing the rear bearings can be a tough job without a press if you're not to mechanically minded. What you need to do is carefully put a cut each side of the retainer ring as deep as you can without toughing the axle surface. Then use a cold chisel in the cut to break it open. You will probably need to do the same with the bearing. WEAR SAFETY GLASSES too, bits go everywhere! You could also use heat to expand the bearing, but I don't like this method personally.

To install the bearing, gently work it round on the inner race with a large punch and hammer. Or, fine a pices of pipe to drive it on.

You should not need to remove the tone ring, but just the same be careful not too damage it or put pressure on it. They are quite delicate.

One last bit of advice, the 4 axle retaining bolts are pressed into the retaining flange and may slip when you break the locknuts. This is really annoying! To fix this, you will need a stick welder to poke through all the brake components and tack the bolt heads back to the retaining flange.

Also, axle retaining nuts are conlocks and not meant to be reused. Go to your local fastener shop and get some replacements.