Is there a way to break the wheel bearing?

R32VWBeetle · Samba Member Joined: July 21, 2012 Posts: 123

Ok , so im trying to take off the front drum, (passengers side ) for a 71 super but it wont come off, there is no more brake on that drum, and I suspect the wheel bearing is the one making the drum not come out, the reason I suspect this is I got a squeeling noise a couple of weeks ago,

but instead of checking it out right away I drove the car for a couple of weeks until the noise was very loud. I can turn the drum freely, because I turn the brake pad stars all the way in until it has no more brake.

So is there a way to break the wheel bearing or do you guys think im going to have to take it to a shop?

any suggestions, ive banged it, drove the car around , gone thru some dips to make it budge, nothing, im stumped.

Thanks guys

mikeonthebike · Posted: Sun Jun 01, 2014 6:54 pm Post subject:

You might need to replace to spindle. If the wheel bearing is in pieces and wore out the spindle you might just be better of taking the spindle off with the drum. Then of course if you still can't get the drum off you'll need all the brake assembly too. New or good used spindle and drum but only new brakes and hardware.

BugMan114 · Posted: Sun Jun 01, 2014 9:11 pm Post subject:

perhaps put the wheel back on, and leave the nut just a hair loose (like just before it actually touches the spacer over the bearing), and lock the nut so it won't tighten/ loosen, and take it for a short drive (might wanna re-adjust your shoes for this part, haha). you should be able to hear it when it moves, because whatever noise it was making, should get even worse with that much play. around the block should be enough of a drive, maybe swerve a little when its safe to try and loosen it. if you hear it shift, slow way down and limp it back home. should come right off. If still nothing, take a torch to it, and get that sucker red hot. might expand enough to get it to slide out. I'd clean the grease out first, I like brake cleaner, but if you do use it be sure every last molecule of brake cleaner has evaporated before taking a torch to it, especially is its chlorinated brake cleaner (I know the rec CRC can still uses chlorine). burning that shit WILL kill you. good luck bro Cool

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Why the hell do they call it a gland nut. its obviously a big fat bolt!!!

R32VWBeetle · Samba Member Joined: July 21, 2012 Posts: 123

well i took if for another ride with out the nut being on not to tight and now I dont hear a noise, but the wheel bearing looks mess up, if I take it to a shop, what will they most likely do? cut the drum out, or do they have a special tool for when that happens? or should I drive it a bit more until it loosens?

banditwolf · Posted: Mon Jun 02, 2014 5:20 pm Post subject:

If you don't care about the bearing it doesn't matter what you do to get it out. But don't mess up anything else.
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modok · Posted: Mon Jun 02, 2014 5:56 pm Post subject:

R32VWBeetle · Samba Member Joined: July 21, 2012 Posts: 123

Her74buggy · Posted: Mon Jun 09, 2014 9:48 pm Post subject:

How do you see the bearing? You are trying to separate the outer half from the inner right? I assume you are not trying to bang on the back before separating and taking out the bolts right?
Mine were tight so after disconnecting the brake line to take off any hydraulic pressure, some penetrating oil around the seam then some heat to the outer half and she popped off with a few well placed 5lb mallet hits. If you heat the lip the oil could flame and you are expanding the inner and outer halves which defeats the purpose. I heated from the front side with a $10 propane torch. Same later on the inner that was stuck after taking the bolts out. Different year so hopefully it applies.

modok · Posted: Tue Jun 10, 2014 4:55 pm Post subject:

djkeev · Posted: Tue Jun 10, 2014 5:13 pm Post subject:

The race has probably "welded" itself onto the spindle from exessive heat from running a worn out bearing! DON'T DO THAT AGAIN!!!!!

I'd loosen the nut a fair bit and lock it into place. Now take a drive just around the neighborhood, not far from home and if it is the Right wheel, make a lot of Left turns.
If it is the left wheel, make a lot of Right turns.

It should pop loose, go home NOW!!!!!!

Dave
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nickfancher1 · Posted: Tue Jun 10, 2014 5:37 pm Post subject:

Take the lug bolts to the hardware store and get the same thread but much longer and crank them all the way in, one on each side.

Also get a cheap propane torch and heat up the center real good.
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djkeev · Posted: Tue Jun 10, 2014 5:58 pm Post subject:


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