Hub and rear wheel bearing — removal and installation

Note: A torque wrench is required. If the tool is not available, have this job done by an Opel dealer.

Removing

1. Block the front wheels, then jack up the rear of the vehicle and place it on axle stands.

2. Remove the socket head bolts securing the drive shaft to the rear wheel hub. Remove lock washers.

3. Press the drive shaft from the rear wheel hub, move it to the side and tie it to the body.

4. Remove the rear wheel.

5. Release the brake hose from the bracket on the diagonal arm by pulling out the blocking plate.

6. Turn off bolts and remove a support of a brake. Tie it to the body, being careful not to pull the brake hose. Unscrew the fastening screw and remove the brake disc (see Section 9).

7. See Chapter 10 and remove the lower shock absorber mounting bolt from the diagonal arm. Support the diagonal lever with a jack.

8. Inserting a socket wrench through the hole in the drive flange of the hub, remove the brake support plate mounting bolts. Please note that the top bolts are shorter and equipped with a blocking plate.

9. Insert the wheel bolts and use a long rod to block the hub, then remove the blocking plate and unscrew the center nut of the hub (see illustration).



10. Remove the drive shaft flange using a suitable puller.


11. Push the rear wheel hub out of the bearing (outside) using a suitable puller bolted to the diagonal arm.

12. Remove the retaining ring from the diagonal arm, then force the bearing out using the same puller.

13. If the bearing inner ring remains on the hub, remove it with a bearing puller.

14. Clean all components and inspect them for signs of wear and damage. Get a new bearing.

Installation

15. Install the new bearing in the diagonal lever, pressing only on its outer ring. If necessary, use a long bolt and a set of flat washers for this.

16. Install the bearing circlip.

17. Support the inner race of the bearing from the inside with a metal tube, then carefully drive the hub into place.

18. Install the drive shaft flange on the hub. If necessary, support the outer side of the hub.

19. Install the hub nut and tighten it with a tightening torque regulated specifications. Drive the blocking plate into place to secure the nut in position.

20. Next, install in the reverse order of removal, paying attention to the following:

• A) Tighten all nuts and bolts with a tightening torque specified specifications.
• b) Adjust handbrake (see related section).