Howdy.. Very nice forum you guys got here. Surprisingly larger then the Maxima and Supra forums that I normally hang out at. 84k people, wow! Pleased to have found this place

Anyway, I normally mess around with FWD cars since they are the only types of cars I have gotten a chance to really work with so far, and other then the specs and what articles write, Im completely clueless to RX7s so I would appreciate any help you guys could give. I have a friend with an 88' non turbo that he just bought recently and seems to have a faulty hub bearing at the rear passenger side from what I can hear(sqweeky wooshing sound) and what the mechanics tell him. From what my friend tells me, sounds like they are giving him the run around aside from them or my buddy not making any sense.. Something about somebody doesn't make something anymore blah blah blah and instead of just replacing the hub bearing, these guys wanna replace the whole hub and some bushings(wtf what bushings?).. Anyway, they want $400 for everything, and I smell

Thanks alot fellas

 

From what I understand they were not replaceable be design, but Mazdatrix has found a way to replace the bearings and not the whole hub wit some modification. Here is a link to the page on thier site.
http://www.mazdatrix.com/faq/frontbrg.htm

 

I wouldn't see why the bearings are not replaceable, i know you can order the parts from your local autp parts store! although you do have to take the hub off and press the bearings out if you do not have the correct tool.. Shouldn't take too long at all!

 

Yes, the rear hub bearing can be replaced. Not a difficult job at all, but need a press, bearing, and new seal. Got to be careful after they press the bearing in the housing, the bearing must be supported from the back while pressing the hub in, or damage to the bearing will result. They may be talking about the DTSS bushing being shot.

 

Looks like people are talking about different things. Yes, the front bearings were never meant to be replaced (but still can be), but 50/50 is asking about the rears. The job should be an average sealed bearing replacement job for anyone with FWD experience, since the set-up on RX7s is similar. I agree with Turbonut and since the hub would be out already, I'd replace the toe steer bushings as well (www.mazdatrix.com for a DTSS eliminator kit)

As an aside, the front bearing cups can be removed by welding two bumps on the running surface. The bumps can be used to drive the cups out with a hammer and punch and the weld heat helps expand the aluminum which makes knocking the cups out a painless operation.

 

Thanks for the advice guys.. But what about the price though? $400 sounds around legit for this type of work? I remember when I payed a mechanic for my hub bearing at the front for my Maxima, it came out to only $120. Thanks.

 

The bearing on this side of the border commands around $80 and labor is around 1.5 hrs if you have to pay someone to do it. I'd say $200 tops. $400 sounds high if it's just one side. Shop around...this shouldn't be a mystery task to a typical import shop. If you and your buddy are up to it and have access to a press and good tools, it's really not a horrible gig. In fact if you get the hub out, you can take it to a local machine shop and they'll replace the bearing for $20-$40. Get the DTSS eliminator kit...the squeaky noise is usually from that area (OE is a ball/pillow block widget which wears down to something that is totally unrecognizable). BTW, bearing noise is a low-pitched grumble which intensifies with speed and load changes caused by turning. Make sure whoever checks it or performs the repairs checks all the other many linkages and bushings back there.

 

Thanks RD.. But this buddy of mine is an interesting fella. The bearing was fine, yet he still wants to replace it and hes on a budget So Im guessing the squeeky noise is that DTSS bushing being shot. There is bad wear on the inside of the tire, so Im guessing thats a very good sign, right? What is this DTSS Eliminator kit?