Note. Double row roller or ball bearings are filled with grease and hermetically sealed and require no maintenance. Do not remove the bearing unless absolutely necessary as this will damage it. Do not overtighten the drive shaft nut in an attempt to "adjust" bearing.
Examination
1. Block the front wheels and select reverse (or position "R"). Jack up the rear of the car and place it on axle stands. Remove the rear wheel and fully release the handbrake.
2. To check the front wheel bearing for wear, measure the side play of the hub. Install the micrometer so that its probe rests against the outer side of the hub flange. The play should not exceed 0.03 mm. If not, the bearing is worn excessively and should be replaced.
Replacement
Closed rear axle models
1. Remove the rear brake drum as described in Chapter Brake system.
2. Using special pliers, remove the bearing circlip from the outside of the hub (refer to accompanying illustration).
3. Support the outer side of the hub securely and drive out or knock out the bearing using a tubular drift. The drift must rest only on the outer ring of the bearing.
4. Thoroughly clean the hub of dirt and grease. Grind off burrs and burrs that might interfere with the installation of a new bearing. Check the hub for cracks or other damage and replace if necessary. The bearing and circlip must be replaced each time they are removed. A bearing replacement repair kit consists of the bearing itself, a circlip, a gasket, a thrust washer, a hub nut and a protective cap with grease.
5. When assembling, make sure (if it is possible), that the new bearing is filled with grease. Apply a light coat of gear oil to the bearing outer race and stub axle.
6. Support the reverse side of the hub securely, then place the bearing into position using a suitable spacer that rests only on the outer race of the bearing. Make sure the bearing is not warped.
7. Attach the bearing with a new circlip.
8. Establish a brake drum as it is described in the Head Brake system.
Models with an open rear axle
1. There are two types of hub assembly on these models. On vehicles where the hub and brake drum are a single, non-separable unit, the bearing replacement procedure is similar to that described above. On vehicles where the brake drum is removable (Scenic), the bearing is mounted on the hub and cannot be removed separately. On these models, replacing the bearing entails replacing the complete hub assembly as described below.
2. Remove a drum of the back brake mechanism as it is described in the Head Brake system.
3. Carefully pry the cap out of the center of the hub with a screwdriver. If the cover is damaged, replace it.
4. Using a socket and a long rod, remove the wheel hub nut. Discard the nut - it must be replaced.
5. Remove the hub and bearing assembly from the steering knuckle. If this fails, tap on the periphery of the hub flange with a mallet or use a universal puller.
6. Install the hub assembly and attach it with a new nut. Tighten the nut to Specifications force, and install the hub cap.
7. Establish a brake drum as it is described in the Head Brake system.