Hello,

I`m about to change out the wheel bearing in the rear on my 2001 forester. Does any one know where I can rent a wheel bearing puller kit? Or does anyone have one I can rent or buy?

Thanks,

Roger

This one is $80 from HF:

 

 

 

 

http://www.harborfreight.com/fwd-front-wheel-bearing-adapters-66829.html

 

Someone on here has said they have used it to change wheel bearings successfully on Subaru's.

 

Try Auto Zone or Advance Auto Parts to rent one.

You don't need a puller set to do the rears.

 

If you can get the bottom pinch bolt off, you have tackled the biggest problem. Make sure you use the updated roller bearings.

 

Use a slide hammer to remove the hub and the snap ring that holds the race in is right there. Take that out and drive the race out from the inside of the knuckle. (I am assuming that you are going to do this on the car.) While you are doing all of this place the new bearing set in the freezer. That shrinks the new race a bit and makes it easier to install. Use a bearing race/seal driver set. ( basically a punch set with discs of varying sizes to dirve races and seals in) You can get one at most auto parts stores for around 30. Make sure that you have the inner bearing greased and installed in the race before you drive the race in because there is an inner lip that holds that bearing in place. Install the outer race and snap ring. Install the inner seals and the outer too. Carefully line up the hub and drive it into place using a large hammer and socket. It will slide in with a little finesse. It will not completely seat until pulled in with the axle, but at that point you are done.

 

I just did ano outback the same way and it worked like a dream. My mechanic coached me and I felt very comfortable in all steps. Not a bad job and due to rust issues it too me 6 hours for both sides, but I ended up having to remove the knuckes due to the rust issues.

 

Good Luck

ok, thanks

I`m useing the subaru brand bearing and seals(haven`t ordered yet) I thought the bearing was one peice, you say it has an inner and an outer race? and is there 2 seals on the inner and 1 on the outer? And I`ve read where you need to use the threaded bolt style bearing/race/seal kit to slowly push in and out, but you use the driver style kit? where you tap with a hammer?

 

next I`m need to do the front, how is it different?

Thanks so much for your help!

There is one race with two bearings, an inner and an outer. You will see what I mean when you get them. There are two seals on the inboard side and one on the outside. yes, I used the type that you hit with a hammer and it worked just fine. Remember to freeze them and it will go much easier.

 

The main difference with the front is that you drive the race out from the outside to the inside, but that is all.

 

I think you will be just fine.

 

PM me if you have any questions and I will give you my phone number so we can talk

 

Mike

Thanks Mike, yes I would like to talk to you about it on the phone. And give me a good time to cal.

Thanks,

Roger