Wheel bearing questions...

[Itskyle]

Hey guys,

Been following RichPin's youtube of wheel bearing removal (his was a 56, but I figure the same general principle applies) but have some questions.

It would appear the wheel bearing nearest the hub cap side of things completely disintegrated, which means it is a good thing I decided to replace the wheel bearings on that wheel.

His youtube video assumes that both bearings and the seal kit, and the whole 9 yards stay with the drum when it gets removed. That, unfortunately, wasn't the case with mine.

The remaining wheel bearing (which is still on the car) looks in good shape. I probably should replace it anyway, though, right?

So, here are my questions about this job:

1. What's the best way (and should I even care that much) of cleaning off the assembly that the drum came off of of all of that excess grease, and bits of disintegrated wheel bearing?

2. This one is more of a visual one, and I can provide pictures to those interested, but assuming I want to do it right, remove the other bearing, and replace it as well, and put everything into the wheel drum before re-assembly, how do I get that bearing off of the remaining assembly? To me, it looks like there is a washer and some other stuff precluding this from happening. It occured to me that this may still yet be remnants of the disintegrated bearing. Let me know if you want to see pictures. THANKS!

Kyle

[hercdriver]

Kyle,

I used these videos from Just Kampers to do the rear seal.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhrJM_pWvLQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGOIWhl5SKc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDXwz4ftvyw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0TxH4NCGUE

Here's a good tech article....
http://www.vw-resource.com/rear_suspension.html#swing

Here's a nice diagram

[Itskyle]

I neglected to mention it was a FRONT wheel bearing... Sorry for the confusion.

Had to bicycle in to work today in the rain.

At least, if you are motorbiking in the rain, people assume you are trying to make a statement (you look cool, and your soul is prepared to meet your maker.)

[Itskyle]

A buddy of mine came over with a dremel and a torch

With both of those, we were able to get the old inner housing off from the failed outer bearing.

The new bearings are in place, and I've been rolling with it ever since.