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Alright so now I now what the problem is (thanks to the trouble shooting area), I'm curious, how do I go about replacing the seals between the half shafts and the differential? I mean I would think that I would have to unbolt the shock, the two upper arms, the sway bar link, and possibly the abs wire so the hub has room to move, and then I can pop the half shaft out of the diff using a pry bar? Am I missing a step? Would I be better off taking it to a shop?
Yeah the seal between the rear axle half shaft and the differential, it's leaking and I need to replace, but I don't want to do it myself if I'm going in blind, although I've taken apart elements in the rear before to install my coilovers, so I'm relatively familiar with that area of the car.
It's not that hard if you have some mechanical skills and a decent set of tools. A seal driver set would be a good thing to have. There are plenty of links to online service manuals. I had to replace one of mine, and it wasn't that bad. There are five links connected to that rear knuckle though, and I think I remember taking all of them loose.
Okay I'm looking at a service manual now, but is it necessary to remove the shaft itself to change the seal? I'm trying to avoid doing that myself because I don't have the tools necessary to remove the nut and to retorque it.
You can get away with not taking the axle nut loose, its just kind of cumbersome trying to get the axle back in the diff. with it still hooked to the hub.
Oh yeah I have plenty of experience in the whole **** happens department, more than I'd care to admit to xD Hmm I might just have my mechanic do it then, it isn't a money issue it's just that I don't like taking my car to mechanics, too many horror stories, especially in my area haha.
It takes a press and the right adapters to remove and install the rear wheel bearing on the hub. I had to replace mine back in 2010 when I installed long racing wheel studs on the hub. The bearings were fine, but are destroyed when you remove the hub assembly. No way around it for installing the racing studs. Hardest part is removing what's left of the bearing from the hub because there is not much to grab onto to pull it off. I would say it's beyond most DIY enthusiasts, but not entirely impossible. A shop that helped me had all the equipment and let me do the work.
it's not really the same thing as this thread topic ...
any tips/shortcuts for replacing the rear wheel bearing?
not trying to be a dick, but you should read the service manual (or watch youtube videos on how to do wheel bearings)
reason I said that is because if you have to ask, you are not good enough (yet) to do this, if you really wanna try, it's best to follow the shop manual so the chance of "fucked up" can be kept to a minimum.
and you need some tools like a press.
cuz if you **** this job up, there is a chance that you have to replace the whole hub/knuckle assembly, which is expensive and even more frustrating
Here are some of my personal genuine Mazda Tools, which are the best to use IF you want an easier task...
Apart from a Hydraulic Press...these small genuine tools are used to make installation 'simpler'.
49-G030-797* Tube (solid) is a 'click in' tool grab Handle or Holder for 49-U027-003. 49-U027-003 Collar for tapping/pressing in of rear Axle Seals into Diff Housing, use with 49-G030-797. 49-W010-107A Ring for installation of large black round tin plate or rear brake disc Hub Dust Cover. 49-W017-101 Plates (set of 2) for holding of rear alloy Hub for pressing in/out of Wheel Bearings. 49-W027-003 Collar for use with Hydraulic Press for installing Rear Wheel Bearings into Hubs.
* 49-G030-797 Handle used with other multiple OEM Tools.
so no shortcuts vs what they wrote in the service manual...I will take the hub out and then I have two options:
1. get loaner tools from advnce auto or auto zone, not sure they will have the right sizes. I used them once to replace rear wheel bearing on my audi and it was fine.
2. take the hub to the mazda dealer and pay them just to press the bearing in
You don't have to go to a dealer, many auto shops (and maybe even a few parts stores if you live in a major metropolis area) can handle the bearing removal/installation part.
03-18-2014, 06:20 PM
