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joecitizennn · Joined: 12 Sep 2005 Posts: 2096 Location: no mans land

My Haynes manual states how ro repack/replace rear wheel bearings on the stamped steer swingarms for 944/924S cars. However, haynes states that the procedure is beyond the home mechanic for the aluminum swingarms. I suspect this is overstated, as they say replacing front shocks in the struts is also beyond the home mechanic. Complete crap! So what is, or where can I find the procedure to correctly repack or install rear bearings in aluminum susp arms?

924RACR · Posted: Thu Feb 15, 2007 5:33 am Post subject:

Indeed, that's a bit overstated - though you do need a decent press, can't tap them in like the steel arms. I don't think the procedure is much different. The tool is around $250-300USD.
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joecitizennn · Joined: 12 Sep 2005 Posts: 2096 Location: no mans land

Are the bearings sealed or can they be repacked? Can they be tapped out, or is it necessary to use a puller?

Joes924Racer · Posted: Thu Feb 15, 2007 3:08 pm Post subject:

Youd want to replace them wouldnt you ??
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1979 porsche 924 Na
1980 porsche Turbo 931GT Replica
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joecitizennn · Joined: 12 Sep 2005 Posts: 2096 Location: no mans land

regardless what I do, someone should write up a detaled description of switching bearings in the technical section. Even if nobody wanted to buy the tool and do it themselves, it would be informative, interesting and helpful to understanding where your local mechanic is coming from when he charges you an arm and a leg.

So cmon!! somebody spill the beans!!

Joes924Racer · Posted: Fri Feb 16, 2007 11:46 am Post subject:

I got a bunch of pics when I replaced mine though I have steel trailing arms.. I had to the bearing came apart. Did it make some noise
sounded like someone hitting the back of the car with the sledge
hammer .. over &over again.
_________________
1979 porsche 924 Na
1980 porsche Turbo 931GT Replica
Have u ever driven a turbo.

joecitizennn · Joined: 12 Sep 2005 Posts: 2096 Location: no mans land

turns out you can heat the arm to 300 degrees F, and use a slide hammer to remove the old bearing. It can be pressed back in with a shop press, or by driving it with a bearing driver. SO I have read.

Rob O · Joined: 26 Nov 2002 Posts: 86 Location: Oak Ridge, NJ

Clarks Garage and Paragon-Products.com both have good write ups for removing the wheel bearings.

I was able to remove the bearings on my 944 without removing the trailing arms or using the $300 tool. I used two torches to heat the outside of the aluminum trailing arm and then pressed the old bearings out before the aluminum contracted. I had to heat up the arms again to press the new bearings in. I bought a set of bearing drivers comprised of aluminum disks and a punch to press the bearings in and out. They were cheap at the FLAPS.

Rob
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Nobbi · Joined: 24 Aug 2006 Posts: 1397 Location: Germany

You can use the new bearing to drive out the old one and reverse.
Works fine.If you have problems go to a local Volkswagen dealership.The rear axle is the same as in a beetle 1300.They should know.

Nobbi