90 Sovereign

Rear wheel bearing hell.

All I want to do is remove the shaft from the hub to replace the bearings, is that too much to ask?

Yes!

That's a 20 ton press cranked on that shaft, it won't budge from that hub.

Any suggestions?

 

Hey George - did you get it off yet? Heat any help?

 

Yes, used a torch. I'll keep you posted. It's not off yet.

 

You may also need to heat that up and try ,I have seen when you come across such obstinate nuts / bolts/ that trick works well

 

When I run into a hub like that I just buy a good used salvage part for about $200 and replace or at least repack the bearings and reassemble.

If the bearings and/or spacer/shim is damaged you will likely not get the proper bearing preload without a lot of work.

You will need a selection of shims and a way to measure the end play.

A good used one will already have the proper shim installed.

Just a thought!!

bob gauff

 

That's what I'm going to do, I can't wrestle with this thing anymore.

 

If the bearings 'friction-welded' themselves to the shaft, then you will be better off replacing the assy.

I think the rear hub assys are the same from 1990 to 1994 sedans.
The ABS sensor needs to be the same so that is the determining factor.

I like to get the whole axle (with U joints) and aluminum hub as an assy from the salvage yard so there are no missing parts.

bob gauff

 

Going Wednesday with my tools, should be 15f, wonderful.

 

Well your going to replace the bearing and the seal, so put some heat to it. A torch works wonders.

 

I did, it was glowing like mars.
Finally got the **** out today, bearings were adhered to the axle, but it's tough as nails and will be like new when I'm done.

Don't ignore hums from any wheel on your vehicles.

 

I knew you'd get it George, well done!

 

Good job, congrats

 

Interesting, I was able to make out where both bearings were made. That means they have carried that car for 20+ years! Outer bearing made in England and the one that held up the axle (differential bearing) from coming out was made in France.

If anyone else has to do this job, be sure to ask for a "differential bearing." If you just ask for rear bearings for a 89-94 XJ6 from a regular parts store, it's likely you'll get the wrong one, like I did, twice. Order from a foreign parts store as well.