Replacing AWD Rear Wheel Bearings

REPLACING AWD REAR WHEEL BEARINGS ON LEGACY, IMPREZA AND SVX

When replacing rear wheel bearings on All Wheel Drive LEGACY, IMPREZA, and SVX vehicles, be certain not to overtorque the lateral link bolt that secures the two transverse suspension arms to the wheel bearing housing. DO NOT AIR GUN THE BOLT OFF. The proper torque is probably less than you think. Since the torques are different for the different models and years, refer to the appropriate manuals for the proper specs for the vehicle you are working on. If this bolt is overtorqued, it can deform the housing and may lead to a repeat failure of the wheel bearing.

If you encounter a repeat failure of a rear wheel bearing occurring in an unreasonably short amount of miles, the housing may have been deformed during the first repair. Replacement of the bearing and the housing may be required.

There are some other things to remember when working on the wheel bearings. Never loosen or tighten the axle nut with the weight of the vehicle on the wheel. The vehicle should be in the air with the wheel removed prior to loosening or tightening the axle nut. If this precaution is not taken, damage to the wheel bearing may occur. The axle nuts are NOT reusable. A new nut should be used with the new bearing. Always insure that the new bearing is properly packed with suitable wheel bearing grease. The grease that the bearing is shipped with is NOT sufficient. Always use the proper special tools to install the bearing and torque the axle nut to the correct specifications.