Mazda 3 needed few things

[KrisZ]

The wheel bearing, drive shaft seal and strut bearing needed to be changed. My fault for letting it all sort of pile up like this, but I finally tackled it.
The drive shaft seal started leaking after I changed the shaft, lesson learned for me, change the seal while at it.

I want to say that my local O'Reilly has very good quality tools to rent. Everything looked new and not beaten up and no components were missing.

 

[CharlieJ]

How did you replace the front wheel bearing? I thought that they had to be pressed out and in? Thanks for the post.

 

[ctechbob]

Originally Posted by CharlieJ
How did you replace the front wheel bearing? I thought that they had to be pressed out and in? Thanks for the post.


Take the snap ring out and use the tool he borrowed. Essentially a big bolt with the proper sized backing plates.

South Main Auto has some good vids of doing press-out bearings with such a tool.

 

[Snagglefoot]

Nice. Thanks for the post.

 

[eljefino]

You've lived a good life if you got that bearing out without taking the knuckle off.

 

[mattd]

If he lived in the northeast he likely would have.

 

[Trav]

Originally Posted by eljefino
You've lived a good life if you got that bearing out without taking the knuckle off.

+1 Its usually easier to pull the knuckle and press it.

 

[WobblyElvis]

Whenever I use a loan-a-tool program, I always inspect the tool for missing/damaged pieces before I leave the store. Have them right down any deficiencies on the receipt. Looks like this job went well.

 

[KrisZ]

Originally Posted by CharlieJ
How did you replace the front wheel bearing? I thought that they had to be pressed out and in? Thanks for the post.


I rented the bearing press kit, fourth picture down. It helps if you have an impact gun. I have an electric one which helped tremendously.

 

[KrisZ]

Originally Posted by eljefino
You've lived a good life if you got that bearing out without taking the knuckle off.

Yup, taking the knuckle off and going to a shop with a bazillion ton press was plan B ...‹

 

[maxdustington]

Originally Posted by WobblyElvis
Whenever I use a loan-a-tool program, I always inspect the tool for missing/damaged pieces before I leave the store. Have them right down any deficiencies on the receipt. Looks like this job went well.
I don't know what you guys are talking about, I rented a macpherson strut compressor from my local CT and it was brand new. Other tools I have rented have some wear but they are always complete. I have rented from both CT and Partsource probably eight to ten times by now.