Vanagon Syncro front wheel bearing replacement help

[puu]

I cannot find a video that shows:

How to change the front wheel bearing on a Vanagon 4x4.
Plenty out there for a 2 wheel drive - but the Syncro is different.

The Syncro bearing is one piece and not two bearings (inner and outer)
Anyone knows what has to come off to get the job done.
Does the whole axle need to come out?
Does the break saddle needs to be removed?

I wonder if I can do this with my limited tools.


Any input is highly appreciated, a link to a video is always helpful.
Thanks
puu

[MarkWard]

There is a tool that will let you pull some sealed bearings with the housing installed, but you’ll need to pull it and take it to a hydraulic press. Even then it’s something you need to figure out.
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[mrshrimp]

think you need to remove the whole knuckle assembly. Start by checking out the Bently manual.

[mrshrimp]

This seems pretty helpful.

https://edbee.wordpress.com/2011/08/01/syncro-front-wheel-bearing-installation-and-front-suspension/


I suggest investing in this, so you can do the ob yourself and if you work on other cars can be used as well. Harbor freight 12 ton press:

https://www.harborfreight.com/12-ton-shop-press-33497.html

[MarkWard]

You need to be prepared that the center hub may not be reusable. Most likely the inner race will remain behind and VW did not think to leave flats for a puller. So there are some tricks to getting it off without damaging the hub. Otherwise, if you bring the housings and new bearings to a shop with a press, expect about 1 to 2 hours. Hourly rates very by location. You want someone that has done this before. If you don't support it right at certain stages you can damage the new bearing. There is also an additional debris seal that you might as well replace. It goes between the hub and CV joint. The outer joint also has a seal. T3 Technique had those the last time I needed them.
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[MarkWard]

[mrshrimp]

Removing the inner race on the hub can be tough. On my jetta i chose to just buy a new hub because they are available and cheap. Maybe not an option for our syncros. But when i was investigating how to remove these, seemed a lot of folks has luck with heating the race up and prying or pounding off the hub. Also some folks used hyrolic chisel. But challenge here is getting the right angle. Like stated above, almost need a puller that fits accordingly.

[mrshrimp]

also forgot to mention you might need to get this press kit if you decide to get press and do it yourself:

https://www.harborfreight.com/front-wheel-drive-bearing-remover-and-installer-kit-21-pc-63728.html

[Steve M.]

[SyncroChrick]

At $1000 a piece, damaging the hub does not seem like a good idea.

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=2355838

[Steve M.]

[Steve M.]

While you have the axle out take the opportunity to get some new grease into the CV Joints.
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There are seven days in a week. Someday is not one of them.

[4Gears4Tires]

I have a 20 ton press and preferred to use a bearing set press. You can rent them from your local auto store. I did a write up here.

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=9261708#9261708
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'87 Syncro
Ferric Oxyhydroxide Superleggera Edition

[Sodo]

AFAIK there are no diagrams of the Sycro front wheel bearing so I drew this.
Maybe someone will find an official diagram and post it.

The seals are not shown in this drawing.

Its important to understand why you can't put weight on the Syncro front wheels unless the axle is installed and torqued. The axle holds the bearing together. Without the axle holding it together, the wheel will fall off. If you drive with the axle nut loose, the hub and bearings will be destroyed.

Some discussion of the Syncro front wheel bearing here: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=8303268#8303268
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'90 Westy EJ25, 2Peloquins, 3knobs, pressure-oiled GT mainshaft, filtered, cooled gearbox
'87 Tintop w 47k 53k, '12 SmallCar EJ25, cooled filtered gearbox
....KTMs, GasGas, SPOT mtb

[newerwesty1987]

Just went through this. Strongly advise taking it to a shop with an experienced all-arounder type mechanic. Took him less than an hour since I came back sooner than that. $70. Saved me from screwing around with tools, time, anger, etc.

New bearing pressed in with two new seals. Parts came from Burley or GW. Too old to remember.

[puu]

Thanks to you all here for your speedy reply with all the important information.

Highly appreciated.

I just did a CV joint in the back, took me 2 hours on the ground and I though it will be enough for my skill set. Oh boy!

Unclear is what the special bearing tool kit I need is ???


I had no idea that the axle has to come off in order to replace the bearing.
This means I have to by new boots since I cannot find the metal clips holding the boots without the rubber.

I received the bearing and it looks like the bearing is sealed - no grease needed.
Should I by in case a front Wheel Bearing Clip?
I did order the Wheel Seals

Any other parts recommended to not get stuck in the process?

Thanks so much

[MarkWard]

You disconnect the outer cv joint and leave the axle installed. No need to remove the cv boots. Review the linked write up above. It’s very good.
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[Dogsled]

[crazyvwvanman]

The 2 versions of the Bentley on my desk both have the Syncro front wheel bearing info on pages 40.23 - 40.24

Mark