Howdy!

I'm usually a 67-72 Chevy Truck guy, but my parents' '84 RX-7 has been bumped to my "please maintain me" list.

First, I think the wheel bearings are shot. Now, I've replaced them on trucks and 4x4s, but a car this small probably has smaller bearings, and a different way to tear the hubs down to get to them. Are there grease seals to replace? What's the torque specs on the bearings to get them to seat? Can I just have new races pressed into the hub spindles?

Second, they have a 3spd auto with overdrive. There's some clunking going on back there. I assume the driveshaft needs some attention. Someone told me there are no U-joints-just a one piece driveshaft. Are these easy to inspect and replace if necessary?

Thanks for listening.

-Cobalt Blue

 

Rear wheel bearing are pressed on the axles.
the driveshaft has U-joints, but not replaceable. Just bring it to a god shop and they can replace them for you (much cheaper then a whole new driveshaft).

 

Me and my dad repacked the front bearings (well mostly my dad) it wasn't too hard hes a car guy and had no problem.
like myrxbad said about the driveshaft.

 

and the driveshaft is super easy to remove. 4 bolts at the diff, drop it down and slide it back. i'd highly recommend a hayne's manual for it. i've bought at least 5 of the things for a first gen(i either lose em, or use em to death)

 

Ok about the driveshaft. Sounds easy.

...about the wheel bearings. I guess the fronts are easy given a manual. On the rears it sounds like I gotta pull the rear axles, and take them to a shop to have new ones pressed on. Anyone have experience pulling the rear axles out of the differential? I assume it's limited slip as a stock rear differential, so the axles should just unclip from the carrier and slide out, correct?

 

Its not a limited slip diff if it has an automatic tranny I don't think, unless they had one installed from a GSL-SE.

I don't think that you have to remove the axle, I'm betting that you could just rent a bearing puller and use it with the axle on the car. I haven't actually done mine, but it was that way for every other car I've ever owned.

 

The fronts are textbook easy. These cars are pretty basic and for the most part real easy to work on. The hardest part is gonna be the rusted bolts you encounter. The answers to the questions you're asking are all in the Haynes manual. You can buy Haynes manuals on eBay for like 10 bucks. It's a good investment. Also, a lot of parts are hard to come by at your local part store..... or at least mine. If I can't find a part locally, Victoria British and MazdaTrix have always pulled through for me.

Good luck with the car!