Iv just replaced one of my rear wheel bearings but am having a problem getting the driveshaft in far enough. Upon closer inspection, it seems to be the abs ring is causing the problem as it is reluctant to fit back on far enough. Has anyone got any tips on how to do this?

Also is it right that if the bearings need replacing, there will be movement at 9 and 3 aswell as 12 and 6? I have just read that this is the case but despite there beign alot of noise from that corner, there was only play at 12 and 6.

 

I have EVER replace and rear compoments on my x300, but 3 and 9 should be a wheel bearing. If you have 12 and 6 without 3 and 9, it's more likely the half shaft u joints....remember these cars don't have a upper control arm on the rear.

 

As Drew says 12 and 6 positions could be worn UJs. However, it is much more comon that it will be the differential output shaft bearings. You can actually have a lot of play here - can't remember how much that play will be magnified to the wheel and still be roadworthy but I passed the uk MOT with about half an inch play at 12 o clock position - no joke. Anyway, feel for play between the output shaft and the diff casing by having someone push the wheel inwards at the 12 o clock position (no need to move wheel at 6 o'clock as gravity will put it down). So, bearings 9 and 3, diff output shaft at 12, if 6 moves in and out it will be the outer pivot pin bearings where the rear hub carrier attaches to the lower arm - oh yes, probably some 9 and 3 play here too and these bearing can be a real pain to replace.
As for the abs ring, when I changed my rear bearings, someone had installed the adjustable spacer next to the abs ring and apparently this is wrong. If you haven't got the JTIS cd rom look at the Jaguar classic parts website and see the exploded diagram 'Hub Carrier and Hub Assembly -Rear' for how the thing should be assembled.
What is it that makes you think that the abs ring isn't going on far enough?

 

I have replaced the hub bearings on both sides of my '97 XJ6 (155K miles) and there wasn't much play either time, they were noisy. I have replaced the fulcrum bearings on the right side twice in the last year for some odd reason. They were rusty both times as if I were parking in a puddle or something.