Subaru Rear Wheel Bearings: How difficult are they?

[The Critic]

Do you already own the AP Last Chance Hub Removal Tool?

https://www.astrotools.com/product/last-chance-impact-rated-hub-removal-bolt-kit/

I do.

 

[mrbreezeet1]

The hub buster should work okay on this one but another trick for the not too rusted ones is either loosen the bolts a few threads and hit them with an air hammer crosswise or remove the bolts and install some slightly longer ones to beat on, I always replace the bolts on these things as many times unless someone has done them before they need a rocket socket because they are undersized with rust where I am.

We used to do that with the longer bolts/hammer them on like 2500 Chevy trucks front hum assembly's.

 

[The Critic]

Just inspect the box as soon as it arrives. If the brain trusts throw it in a flimsy box with no padding it can eject itself relatively easily. Mine comes in at a couple ounces over 12.5 lbs. Since it's intended to survive a steady beating from a sledge it's a simple formula: more steel = mo bettaView attachment 181662

 

[mrbreezeet1]

I ordered an 1/2" drive impact wrench and a 16 OZ Glass measuring cup from Amazon.
Both sent in the same big box, no padding, bouncing around in the box. Of course the measuring cup was in a million pieces. Called Amazon for a refund, She wanted me to send it back first! I said For what! I'm not going to lie to you for a $10.00 measuring cup!

 

[SubLGT]

View attachment 182081
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A lot of Amazon reviews mention the nuts and washers being soft, and useless.

 

[The Critic]

A lot of Amazon reviews mention the nuts and washers being soft, and useless.

They do not come in the correct thread pitch for Subaru’s, anyway.

 

[The Critic]

That CA suby will come right apart compared to a rust belt one.

And you are correct.

The left side required a few light taps with my 42oz hammer. The right side just wiggled loose.

I guess I now own some tools that I may not ever need.

 

[The Critic]

Side note, passenger side rear bearing....when you go to torque the axle nut or the lug nuts, there is an audible click. It is very faint. Noise is not otherwise audible.

No such sound on the driver side rear.

Both bearings are SKF.

I fully disassembled the passenger rear for a second time and reassembled, no abnormalities found. Best guess is that there is some fitment issue with the SKF hub assembly and the cv axle on that side.