DIY - changing front wheel bearings
Thread Starter
Rennlist Member
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 12,016
Likes: 130
From: Hyde Park, NY
DIY - changing front wheel bearings
I've heard a lot of people ask about tightening and changing front wheel bearings over the years.
I thought I'd make a video tutorial for those what don't know how to do it.
Follow along while I do one front wheel on my Turbo S.
I had to make the video in 3 parts (to meet the YouTube 10 minute restriction) - all three parts are embedded below, but you can also click here to go straight to YouTube.
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Enjoy!!
I thought I'd make a video tutorial for those what don't know how to do it.
Follow along while I do one front wheel on my Turbo S.
I had to make the video in 3 parts (to meet the YouTube 10 minute restriction) - all three parts are embedded below, but you can also click here to go straight to YouTube.
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Enjoy!!
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 2,641
Likes: 0
From: Suburban DC
That is fantastic! It's also a DIY for brake pads and rotors!
So, is there a symptom of bearing failure? Or a recommended interval for changing them?
Lastly, I've got one dustcap (L/F) that pops off but only at the track. I assume the hub heat is loosening the cap. Any ideas?
So, is there a symptom of bearing failure? Or a recommended interval for changing them?
Lastly, I've got one dustcap (L/F) that pops off but only at the track. I assume the hub heat is loosening the cap. Any ideas?
Nordschleife Master
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 6,446
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From: Altered States of America (B'ham)
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Thread Starter
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Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 12,016
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From: Hyde Park, NY
I can feel it when they start to go - I get a little vibration/rumble around certain corners. Sometimes I notice a little brake pad knock-back as well.
I'd say that on average I end up changing front wheel bearings every 3 years - 15-ish track days per year. And I always keep a spare set in my track box just in case. I also check their tightness at least once a season.
I go through about 2 sets of front pads a season, and a set of front rotors for every 3 or 4 sets of pads.
I'd say that on average I end up changing front wheel bearings every 3 years - 15-ish track days per year. And I always keep a spare set in my track box just in case. I also check their tightness at least once a season.
I go through about 2 sets of front pads a season, and a set of front rotors for every 3 or 4 sets of pads.
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Verdad Gallardo
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Joined: Mar 2006
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From: Damascus, MD
I tend to change bearings once I start hearing some noise. AFAIK they don't suddenly fail catastrophically. They go bad gradually, and will talk to you during the process (getting louder...).
However....IIRC the videos describe the later 951 & S2 brakes. The early 944's (pre 85.5) and possibly the later NA 944's, have a different rotor/hub design. In order to change the rotor, the hub must be removed. So with those cars, I like to do wheel bearings at the same time since everything is apart anyway. Maybe overkill, but I guess its good PM for the race car (mine's an '84).
My 944S2 (and Boxster) have rotors similar to the video, so bearings are not necessarily involved with rotor replacement.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,188
Likes: 30
From: Hoosierville
Thanks for taking the time to do this! It helps so much to see a demonstration like this. Have you thought about posting this in the DIY forum? Not many topics there and it might help it from getting lost in this forum.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 498
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From: Tallinn, Estonia
Thread Starter
Rennlist Member
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 12,016
Likes: 130
From: Hyde Park, NY
Thread Starter
Rennlist Member
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 12,016
Likes: 130
From: Hyde Park, NY
Good idea. I just tried, but I don't have access to post in the DIY forums... Maybe a moderator has to start the thread?
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,240
Likes: 1
From: Darien, IL
also a note that if yer doing the left side, there's gonna be the speedo cable that attachs the the dust cap. at least on my early car. the c-clip that holds that needs to be snug and tight...or yer speedo will just drop to 0 on the highway hehe