Hi,

So I've searched a bunch and concluded that repacking the rear wheel bearings is a difficult borderline impossible project. Repacking the fronts much easier, and I did them on my 88 Vert back in 2017. I've never done them on my 88 AE. The preload seems fine, but I do notice some rolling noise. Maybe just sitting too much vs driving, neither are daily drivers really.

With our cars approaching/crossing 35+ years old, at what point do you start to think you really should re-grease them?

Been a while since I've posted anything, bet most of the people I used to hear from have moved on.

Thanks,

Greg O.

 

Rear wheel bearings are sealed bearings. When bad, they need to be replaced. Front wheel bearings should be repacked every 30,000 miles or sooner depending on driving conditions.

 

I need to consider performing this on my GTU as well.
Check the LINK below!

Front Wheel bearing HOW TO

-M

 

You can get a set (inner & outer) front wheel bearing for about $20 from RockAuto. This is for one side. Given that these bearings are so relatively inexpensive, I usually just replace mine at about every 50k miles or so. The outer races always looked good, so I would just reuse them. I know that the proper procedure is to replace the outer races with the bearings, but Mazda has made this such PITA on the RX7's. I'm wonder, rather than butchering the hubs if you can use temperature to your advantage. For example, "Aluminum's thermal expansion coefficient is roughly three times higher than steel. This results in greater volumetric expansion of the metal upon heating, and subsequent greater contraction upon cooling.". So, if you put the hubs in the freezer, than you might be able to knock out the inner races without much effort.

 

Your theremal expansion idea is spot on. However, it is reversed. Clean all grease out of the hub and put it in the oven at about 500 degrees. You should hear the bearing fall out after some time has passed. This is written in a few threads as is welding the inner part for the heat. I just looked this up yesterday. I do not know about the race though. Will it fall out too? I know very little about pressed in bearings and hub construction. If someone could eloborate, it would be helpful.

 

My bad. You are absolutely correct.

 

This is the thread here for reference.
http://pecific-1986-1992-17/fc-front...moval-1070197/

Someone did the math and it would have to be frozen colder than dry ice to work. Otherwise, we would have bearings falling out in Alaska. 😁

 

Thanks for the feedback. While I do have a 12 ton press, facing that nut on the end of the axel shaft, now realizing that they are sealed units in the rear, I'll probably just inspect the fronts and if the races look good, repack them with fresh grease and call it a day.

Greg O.