Rear Wheel Bearing & Spindle Replace

REAR WHEEL BEARINGS AND SPINDLE

Fig. 2 Rear wheel bearing. Riviera w/rear disc brakes:

MODELS W/REAR DISC BRAKES
Removal
1. Raise and support rear of vehicle.
2. Remove tire and wheel assembly.
3. Mark a wheel stud and a corresponding place on the rotor to assist in installation if bearing is not replaced.
4. Disconnect brake line at bracket on control arm.
5. Remove caliper and rotor assembly.
6. Remove four nuts and bolts securing the spindle to the control arm and remove bearing assembly, Fig. 2.
Installation
Before installing bearing, remove all rust and corrosion from bearing mounting surfaces. Lack of a flat surface may result in early bearing failure. A slip fit must exist between the bearing and the control arm assembly.
1. Install rear spindle, shield and plate to lower control arm. Torque nuts to 35 lb ft, Fig. 2.
2. If bearing was not replaced, install rotor using reference marks made at time of removal.
3. Install brake caliper assembly.
4. Connect brake line at bracket on control arm, tighten, then bleed brake system.
5. Install wheel and tire assembly.
6. Remove support and lower car.

Fig. 3 Rear wheel bearing. Riviera w/rear drum brakes:

MODELS W/REAR DRUM BRAKES
Removal
1. Raise and support rear of vehicle.
2. Remove tire and wheel assembly.
3. Remove brake drum.
4. Remove four nuts attaching rear wheel bearing assembly to control arm.
5. Remove wheel bearing and four attaching bolts Fig. 3.
Installation
Before installing bearing, remove all rust and corrosion from bearing mounting surfaces. Lack of a flat surface for any reason may result in early bearing failure. A slip fit must exist between the bearing and the control arm assembly.
1. Install four nuts and bolts attaching wheel bearing to rear control arm assembly Fig. 3. Torque nuts to 35 lb ft
2. Install brake drum.
3. Install wheel and tire assembly.
4. Remove supports and lower car.