[Buddies72]

Hey Guys,

Well, i'm in the process of changing out the front wheel bearings in my 96 LWB vitara. I've got one side done but am waiting for the lock nut tool to come from BenT so I can do the other side.

The problem I have (I think) is that I found it VERY easy to get the bearing cup out of the hub.

I then inserted the new wheel bearing (ball race type) into the hub and it was a little more trouble to get in, until it came to the last 10mm or so, when it basicly slid home, without any force required.

So what I'm thinking is that the outer hub (the part with the wheel studs on it) is completely flogged out due to wear or lack of maintenance from the previous owner, or both...

Is this correct? Any ideas where to get a new one from and what they are worth?

Cheers for the help.

[royce]

Ive only done one before and it wasnt hard to move, is it a firm fit once the circlip is in?

[Buddies72]

royce wrote:

Ive only done one before and it wasnt hard to move, is it a firm fit once the circlip is in?

It seems to be ok once the circlip is in but the circlip looks like it's had a fair bit of wear (quite polished) from holding the previous bearing in place. It worries me that the circlip may be responsible for holding the hub on the bearing.

[Joe]

Shandy92 had the same problem and his circlip ended up popping out after he put new bearings in, Pretty sure Want33's has some spare hubs

[shandy92]

hey mate,

if i was you i would chuck in a new hub, cost $200 from suzistore here in perth. when i pressed my new bearings into my old hub, there came out really easy and also went in without to much strain. when i was pulling it out the 1st time, the cer-clip wasnt actually sitting in the groove but just half in. the stayed firm for about 15k then became loose thats when i put the new hub in. they should take a fair bit of force to crack or move, just depends on the condition and use. but shouldnt be easy.

here is the thread i made for do it:
http://www.auszookers.com/index.php?nam ... hlight=hub

1 tip: paint the new hub before you fit it, not sure how you would but it would stop it from rusting (surface rust) like mine has.

i got my bearings from weaves.
Mitch