92 Eclipse/Laser Front Wheel Bearing Question

Apr 14, 2008 2 Replies
G

I'm in the middle of rebuilding the front end of my 92 Plymouth Laser RS 2.0.



Putting in new front struts, drive axles, 1 tie rod end, steering rack boots, sway bar links, basically most things it needs.



Just finished the driver's side and getting a very pronounced groan which leads me to believe that wheel bearing is shot.



I did have a wheel bearing replaced some time ago last year or two. Took out the knuckle/hub assemble and had a parts store press the new one in.



Wondering about doing the wheel bearing removal and reinstallation myself.



Is this something the weekend mechanic with a driveway cab do or is this better off removed and pressed in the shop?



The guy who did the previous bearing did comment that it was fairly jammed in there and they had a time getting it out even with a press.



GK


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G

Once you get the axle out and the knuckle removed, there is a snap ring behind the inboard seal that holds the bearings in place. At least, this was the case for my '94 Eclipse GST.

Gyz

GK wrote:

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S

Correct, but the snap ring is just a safety precaution. The bearing itself requires a hydraulic press to get it out and back in. You WON'T be able to hammer it as it needs about two tons (sometimes more) of pressure to do it.

By all means get the knuckle off yourself and take it a shop to be pressed. Replace both the seals when you do the bearing.

The groaning noise is more likely to be a dragging caliper than a wheel bearing. Back your pads off with a screw driver and rotate the wheel. It should run absolutely smooth. Any slop or roughness means the bearing is shot.

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