MadMax

Well, I must share this with the list. I bought the tool that Pelican and Samstag tools sell (wheel bearing removal/installation tool). It works like a charm!! I removed and replaced my badly worn right rear wheel bearing from my ALUMINUM trailing arm in just under 4 hours. I DID NOT remove the trailing arm. Spend $250 to save ~$600-800, not bad.

Tabor's procedure is good and I am working on a modified version of his procedure to include the use of the tool that will walk you through the procedure. No more wuh, wuh, wuh from the rear of my S2. I apoligize for the almost giddy post but you have no idea how pleased I am with the results. Porsche dealerships and other Porsche shops should buy this tool and save their customers some cash.

Best Regards,
Max <img src="graemlins/r.gif" border="0" alt="[king]" />

MadMax

I am kind of surprised that no one had any questions regarding this procedure and potential cost savings. Rear Wheel Bearing removal is considered one of the most time consuming jobs there are on the 944. Hell, it took Tabor ~ 8hrs to do only one wheel bearing and he is 'Captain Toolbox' (I bet you thought no one remembered that didn't you Tabor?) jk. Oh, well. I am here if anyone is curious.

Max

Manning

I am guessing folks were not looking at the board so much because of Easter maybe?

I certainly am glad to hear of the excellent results. G-d only knows I want to save money when I can. Let us know when you have the modified procedures ready. And post that tools part number if you can (or a link).

keith

I made my own tool and having been doing my bearings on the car for a few years now.

Out of curiousity, could I see a pic of the tool you used? I'd like to know the differences, if any.

Thanks!

MadMax

Keith,
I don't have a digital camera but I can see about borrowing my buddy's so I can take a pic of the tool for you guys. It worked very well. No stress whatsoever.

Max

deni durrell

excellent re: success with the bearing work. i am having issues with just getting the right parts. of course i have an early model and have two bearing and not one, so the tool may or may not be of any interest to me.

cheers!

944LT1

Madmax,Would you consider renting the tool for a weekend? I'd foot the shipping both ways.....

MadMax

I might consider it. Let me think about it. It was a fairly big decision to purchase that tool.

Deni, I really don't think this tool would be that helpful or necessary with your early model bearing R&R. With the early model's rear wheel bearings being setup very much like front wheel bearings (repackable, replaceable seals, etc...) you really don't need a puller/press.

The late model (aluminium trailing arm) has a sealed bearing that is pressed into the trainling arm just like the bearing races are on the front hubs except the rear is a very large bearing.

Regards,
Max

crushingday

Max,
That tool sounds good. I have noticed a whirring sound from the back of my 87 944S..into which I am installing a 968 engine!....(fingers crossed)
..Anyway I reside in White Marsh MD. My band (Crushing Day)and I are playing in Annopolis next weekend. I would love to talk to you in more detail about how to do this job myself.
I am not really a mechanic but i have replaced a headlight motor and a thermostat before...(Damn snap ring!!). I am pretty good with my hands..I make surfboards too!
Might it be possible to rent this tool from you?
Thanks
Ross Tyrie <img src="graemlins/jumper.gif" border="0" alt="[jumper]" />

Keith924S

Regarding the 944, could you folks tell me what year 944s had the type of pressed in rear wheel bearing that Mad Max just did on his 944? or alternatively which 944s had the repackable rear wheel bearings?

Thanks, Keith

Skip

82-85.1 = easy bearings
85.5-95 = hard bearings

MadMax

Ross,
You and I have spoken before. You were selling an A/C control unit. You emailed me pics of it. I am currently writing a procedure that will walk a person through the removal/installation process using "the tool". I have had a couple of people talk to me about borrowing/renting the tool. I am considering it. As far as doing the job, I would not recommend attempting this task without a serious air impact gun (450ft-lbs off/400ft-lbs on) as a minimum. It is nearly impossible to "safely" (emphasis added) remove the rear wheel axle nut without using an air impact gun. The rest of the job can be done with the car on good quality floor jacks and hand tools. I am going to email the procedure to Skip after I have completed it. Hopefully, I will finish it this weekend.

Max

Roy LaZelle

I sure would like to see pictures of both the store bought and home made tools..... how about it guys ?? --Roy--

Franco44

Madmax,

I think we e-mailed once or twice about this tool a month or so ago. I thought I got a price of about $150 from Samstag. Glad you posted to let us know that you got it and it worked.

Thanks,

Franco

MadMax

Franco,
That is correct but if you check their website now, you find that they were not including all the parts you need. Pelican was. So, from either source it comes to ~$250.
My procedure for Wheel bearing R&R for a Late model 944 without removing the trailing arms, should be on Tech-session as I have submitted it to Skip. In the mean time, if any of you want the procedure just email me.

Best Regards,
Max