hello all

first post, i guess it has to be here to earn the right to post in the main section?

88 topless with 35k miles, one owner, all original except for fluids, clutch, wipers and tires.

inspecting front brakes today i noticed some play with the wheels on, which for now i assume is coming from the bearings, both sides.

i could just retighten but might as well repack inner/outer bearings and replace the inner seals.

i searched and read through 10 pages of threads with 'bearing' in the title, many of them were relevant, so i read a few dozen threads.

i've also looked over the frequently linked page at mazdatrix on front bearing REPLACEMENT...

this confused me initially, but now i THINK it applies only to REPLACEMENT (including the races) not simply cleaning/repacking...is that correct?

of course if the bearings look worn/pitted, i'd replace the full assembly since i've no desire to modify the hubs just so 2 do races and bearings. the parts aren't that expensive as a full unit.

so my primary questions are these...

1. both bearing packs (inner/outer) can be removed, cleaned, repacked and re-installed correct ?

2. the inner seal on each side should probably be replaced too and THIS PART is available?

3. mazdatrix lists a part number and price for the inner seal, is this the MAZDA part number or just 'trix parts listing? can i get these seals at napa? i would assume the dealers can order them?

thanks in advance. i don't plan to start new threads much, since most things are probably in the archives, or questions can be tacked onto existing threads...

but can someone now approve me for the main tech room?

thanks

henry

 

1. Yes

2. Yes and yes.

3. Mazda has them and the Mazdatrix numbers are very similar to Mazda. Any auto parts store will also have them.

 

thanks for the reply.

will check at the local napa vendor b4 heading to the dealer.

i've tried using generic seals in some other applications and they aren't always exactly the same as oem.

cheers
henry

 

so i've purchased the inner seals and seem to have everything at hand to do this repack.

does anyone know the LOCK NUT SIZE, 88 vert 5 bolt hub ?

i don't see it mentioned in the haynes or FSM and don't see it in any of the faq threads on this topic.

just wanna have the right socket at hand once i start

i've got up to 4-26mm and a 32mm and 36mm.

thanks
henry

 

I don't know exactly, but you will not find a whole lot that does not fall between 4-26mm.

 

well it turns out the hub lock nut is 23mm.

this is handy because 23mm also works for the rear diff plug and manual tranny drain plug.

most 'craftsman' like mechanic tool sets (up to the 350 piece size) end at 22mm for metric sockets on a 1/2 inch drive.

so there is a need to add at least the 23mm for several rx needs...

one could use an adjustable (crescent) wrench or properly sized open end wrench it all 3 places,

but there are good reasons not to, especially on the hub/bearing lock nut.

cheers
henry

oh, and turner movie classic is screening "THE FIRST AUTO" at midnight on the east coast.

this a 1927 silent era film about the conflict of cars with horses and the death of one and 'birth' of another, in mythical maple valley....

a stable owner gives his grieving son a CAR to replace the beloved horse (sloe eyes) that he has been racing in the 'trotter' class.

this creates QUITE the commotion with the locals...

while silent/b&w/melodramatic it's still a fun flim to watch (once) and just imagine the birth of cars at that time and mind frame...