Dang wheel bearings

[Rickman]

OK, so apparently my front drivers wheel bearing is going out and making tons of noise.

After much research, I've found it's easier to just replace the entire hub assembly. So, I went ahead and ordered both fronts from Flyin Miata (as well as an extra license plate light) for about $200 shipped.

My question is, Have any of you ever changed an entire hub assembly out before? If so, how hard is it? Is it something I should be able to do in a few hours, or should I devote a whole weekend to it?

-rick

 

[miata_racer]

Not bad at all. The trick on the front is the bottom ball joint area. To get it back in the control arn put the boht through horizontally then use a screwdriver to prop up the tab inside the lower arm to get the bolt in vertically. Once you pull it apart you'll see.

You will need a 1/2 in drive wobble head. Prefferable the impact style. This will make it almost east to do this task. This also saves a couple hours when changing out the shocks or springs (removing those 2 bolts that is. ;-)

David Hedderick
Houston, TX

 

[Rickman]

Thanks. I hope to get the parts first thing next week and get them swapped out over next weekend.

The total came out to $189 shipped btw.

 

[kcbhiw]

I think my FR bearing is headed out as well. There's the slightest bit of play in the wheel. I'll get around to replacing it one of these days. Thank goodness for Mazda's contingency program (though, still not super inexpensive for the bearing).