first timer rear wheel bearing questions

[76bimmer]

2002 FAQ,

As you will see by questions, I am new at this.

I am packing the rear wheel bearings on my 76 2002.

I purchased new seals but the bearings look good so I am going to reuse them.

How important is it to put the outside bearing back on the outside and the inside bearing back on the inside? Does it matter?

Also, is there a front and back side to the bearings? To me it does not seem to matter as they don't seem to be tapered.

Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

76bimmer.

[c.d.iesel]

-= DO NOT RE-USE REAR WHEEL BEARINGs ! =-

You 'might not know' what to look for when examining

old bearing rollers and races to be the judge of their

condition. Heat, galling, metal pickup, noise, wear

are all fine details to know about when inspecting used

roller and ball bearings. JUST as important is your time!.

Do you want to see a wheel pass you due to poor judgement?

Do you have unlimited time on your hands to re do this repair

soon?

ALSO - if your stub axle and wheel flange splines fit together loosely,

if the two slide together with little to no effort - your splines are

also worn and should be replaced with the bearings. Your retightening

of the axle nut on a fatigued stub axle and flange is surefire

point for metal failure - and axle seperation from the car.

here is where you need to inspect your stub axle and wheel flange splined for rusting, wear, errosion of metal causing failure

[Rizzy]

and not do a thorough job. Don't cheap-out. I replace everything replaceable if I'm going to all the effort, no matter what the task.