[Vwdiesel] 81 Rabbit - wheel bearings

[Val Christian]

[omitted Sandy's excellent description of servicing...]
> 
> Once again, if the bearings do not growl, I would not replace them at this
> time (winter),
> Just adjust (tighten) them

	I had them get so loose that I damaged some of the brake parts.
	My daughter used the car, and said it got "wiggley".  Didn't 
	find anything wrong with the front end, and had her continue 
	to drive.  180K after having the rear drums off last, the 
	drum cocked.  The only problem was that the bearing had gotten
	loose, and everything shifted.  No failed bearings.  

	I replaced the seal, prick punched (knurled) lightly the 
	axle stub (to prevent inner race spinnings) replaced the
	seal and the bearings (had spares on hand, and they are
	inexpensive).  It's OK to have the inner race snugly fit the
	axle stub.  

	I fail to understand how they loosen up.  

	Rear brakes get little
	use, because the driving here is mostly highway, and there is
	very little heavy braking.  I've had rear shoes last 
	200K or more miles.  When things are apart I replace
	shoes on principle.

> 
> You can opt to just replace the roller parts of the bearing and the seal,
> or, and this is more trouble, the outer races in the drum as well, including
> the seal.
> 
> Getting the races out of the drum requires a bearing press and mandrels to
> do properly, and unless they have been under water for a year  or so, and
> rusted and pitted,, almost never need replacing

	I have a 12 ton press, but not the right mandrels.  
	On VWs and on trucks, I just use a brass drift. 
	Normally a 3/8 to 3/4" 8" brass rod.

	The same rod can be cleaned up, and used to insert 
	the outer races into the drum.

	Resist the urge to use a steel rod, it can harm the race.
	The brass probably could, but I keep it clean, and 
	try to not have it hit the race surface.



> 
> In the many volks I have serviced rear brakes and bearings, I have only once
> replaced the actuall bearings, and even then, left it til spring to do.


	This matches my experience on Rabbits and Jettas.