Rear hub removal

I'm in the middle of the dreaded rear wheel bearing DIY (I know, bad decision) and am unable to get the rear hub off. I've seen the very helpful TeamDFL DIY, but haven't experienced the same rear hub "miracle".

I've tried a slide hammer and some prying from behind but it doesn't seem to be moving at all. Any tips for its removal? Thanks in advance!

How about this method, I used this method to get the front axle out of the hub. Here some pics.

I had to use a large two jaw puller (arms into the rotor vent fins) and some muscle to finally remove it. Also my wheel bearing outer race was basically welded to the spindle and needed a wheel bearing separator to remove it. GOOD LUCK you will need it!

those are fun i've done a few

Thanks for your prompt replies folks!

I ended up getting it off with some more persistence w/the slide hammer. That side is all wrapped up. Now I'm having a hard time getting the axle out of the other side. I'm going to try botaman's method tomorrow when I can get my hands on a proper hub puller.

Thanks again!

Originally Posted by botaman

How about this method, I used this method to get the front axle out of the hub. Here some pics.

nice kids chair usage...

Originally Posted by Richaraiza

nice kids chair usage...

You'd like that!!!

My rear wheel bearing job was so hosed that I ended up removing the trailing arm completely. Pressed the new wheel bearing into the trailing arm when it was off the car. Word of caution is if you have to remove the trailing arm take the time to spray paint when the attachment bolts (all) are. The mounts bolts can be positioned due to rear end alignment. If you don't know the original position you could be inviting problems. Also take pictures of everything for reference.

The DIY: http://teamdfl.com/bmw/e46/rear_wheel_bearing/

The hub in question: http://teamdfl.com/bmw/e46/rear_whee...s/Image17.html



I always have to pound the hub out of the bearing. The photo above shows the one and only time where the bearing race stayed with the bearing rather than on the hub. To pound the hub out, I use a large diameter socket or round piece of steel. I whack the snot out of the large socket with a 3lb mini sledge, a.k.a BFH. Whatever you use has to be large enough in OD that it does not touch the splines inside the hub. If you damage the splines, you will never get the axle back through the hub during reassembly.

Soooooo when putting all this stuff back together, no grease is required correct. Just a light touch of oil? I ask this because the bearings are sealed. I broke a traling arm <--- don't ask. So I'm replacing the arm, hub flange, and bearing kit. What was used to compress the bearing into the arm?

Bumping an old thread.

I'm trying to remove the rear hub my smacking it from the back. How are you guys holding the socket? There's not much room to work and I don't want to smash my hand. I've been going around the inside of the flange with the punch I used to pop the axle out and so far it seems to have moved it out ever so slightly but it's not really doing much at all. I don't really care about damaging the spines inside the flange as it'll be replaced.

Any tips would be appreciated.