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Sat Jul 19, 2008 9:09 am

About a month ago I had to make a quick stop while coming down a hill at to a stop light. Afterwards I started hearing an odd noise coming from the rear of the car, and thought that maybe something had happened to the rear disc brakes. The noise was definitely not an engine noise, but more of a low knocking noise when slowing down.

Last weekend I drove about 200 miles round trip to a VW show and noticed the noise was getting worse. Today I drove it to a local brake shop to have them give it a quick look. 2 seconds after it was on the lift the mechanic rocked both rear tires back and forth and said "Your bearings are shot. You shouldn't even be driving this... this... whatever this thing is."

Well, I made it home, white knuckles and all, with the knocking and now squealing noise louder than ever.

I did a search and found 2 pretty good threads discussing wheel bearings. After reading this thread:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=233740&highlight=wheel+bearings
I went ahead and ordered the Bug Me Video (vol. 4) and am contemplating doing the work myself - you guys always make it sound so easy even for a dolt like me.

Before the DVD arrives I have a few total novice questions for you...
• Do I need to completely take apart the rear disc brakes and remove them from the lines to work on the rear bearings? And then bleed the lines and reassemble the discs after the new bearings are in place?

• (If it is only the bearings that are bad) are these the only parts that I will need?
Rear wheel bearing, inner: 113501283
Rear wheel bearing, outer: 113501277A
Rear axle seal: 113501315G

• As far as these parts go, do I need to look out for German vs. Brazillian or anything like that, or are they all the same?

uberautowerks wrote: The bearing come with outer races.
O rings? Oh yeah, at the rear bearing housing, the O-ring comes in this kit....

... you only need the o-ring and the seal, the remainder is for swing axle cars, but it's the easiest way to get the o-ring.

The link that Uberautowerks is referencing no longer works. Does anyone know what o-ring I need (part number)?

• The disc brakes, CVs and CV boots are new. Are there any other parts (that are part of that assembly) that I should inspect/check/replace?

I'll also need:
• synthetic wheel bearing grease (should I get a certain brand?)
• Brake cleaner, shop towels, gloves
and...
bciesq wrote: While we're on the topic, I'll pass along a tip that served me well: Put the new races in the freezer for a while before installing them -- they'll shrink a little and won't need as much persuasion. Also, if you don't have a press, use the old race to tap in the new one -- you can't get the new race all the way in before old one starts to go into the drum, but this method will get you most of the way.
I like that idea!

Thanks in advance for the help,
Slim

Sat Jul 19, 2008 9:27 am

Here's another link to the kit...
http://www.airheadparts.com/viewDetail.asp?strMasterCat=4696&idproduct=6037
You'll need 2 kits AND two of this seal too...
http://www.airheadparts.com/viewDetail.asp?idProduct=5307

Did I read correctly, you have hear disc's? Either drum or disc you don't need to disconnect the hoses. The drum backing plate doesnt have to move at all! And the caliper (for discs) can be unbolted and moved to one side with the hose attached.

Any brand of grease will be fine. The only other thing I don't see is the special socket for the CV bolts. Link....
http://www2.cip1.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=ACC%2DC10%2D7011

That's a start!

Sat Jul 19, 2008 12:11 pm

uberautowerks wrote: Did I read correctly, you have rear disc's? Either drum or disc you don't need to disconnect the hoses. The drum backing plate doesnt have to move at all! And the caliper (for discs) can be unbolted and moved to one side with the hose attached.

Yep, disc brakes in both front and rear. And that's exactly what I needed to know! Thanks.

uberautowerks wrote: Here's another link to the kit...
http://www.airheadparts.com/viewDetail.asp?strMasterCat=4696&idproduct=6037
You'll need 2 kits AND two of this seal too...
http://www.airheadparts.com/viewDetail.asp?idProduct=5307

O.K., more novice questions... what is the difference between these two seal sets, and how are they used? Am I using Part Number: 113-501-315-H (Seal, Rear Wheel, Inner/Outer, IRS for a 74 Thing) for the inners and outers? If so, wouldn't I need 4 seals? For Part Number: 111-598-051-A (Seal Kit, Rear Axle for a Beetle to 1968), am I using the whole kit, or just the o-ring?

Uber, as always, you have been extremely helpful! Thanks for the info!