General 1989 Hobby AK620 on Ducato. Front wheel bearing.

[landmarkjohn]

Hi, I need to repair/replace the front wheel bearing on this camper van. It is a 2L petrol if that makes any difference (I know it does on fuel costs ;->)

My query is can I do it myself and where to get the part?

According to Haynes manuals I am a competent DIY mechanic, i.e. I can mange a 3 spanner job.

Any advice on procedure and tips appreciated. The garage quoted approx €250 parts and €150-200 labour..... quite a lot! Thanks for your replies.

 

[Crossingkeeper]

I had this same problem on a an 89 Talbot; though I did most jobs myself (including a clutch change) I didn't want to tackle this one because of the problems of pressing in the bearing; but I suppose it would be practical for you to save costs by removing the hub and take that down to the garage (have you got a torque wrench for the 350(IMRC) lbft required to tighten the hub nut).

Sorry if this is not what you wanted to hear, on a happier note my garage charged £160 total for both sides, maybe your garage didn't really want the job!

 

[landmarkjohn]

Thanks Crossingkeeper...... £160 for both sides I could live with but I live in Ireland..... I will get another quote....

Funny enough the issue was discovered when I went into the Kwik-Fit in Norwich in early July to get a screw removed from a tyre.... small world!!

 

[Doorman]

Thanks Crossingkeeper...... £160 for both sides I could live with but I live in Ireland..... I will get another quote....

Funny enough the issue was discovered when I went into the Kwik-Fit in Norwich in early July to get a screw removed from a tyre.... small world!!

Removing the hub nut with a large 3/4" drive 52mm socket and T-bar, and a 4 or 5 foot length of scaffold tube, you can measure the torque setting by the effort you need to use in order to loosen the nut.
Removing the hub is quite easy, if, as you say, you can use three spanners at the same time As for pressing in the new bearing, try a small local engineers, who often have a bench press or two. Bearings can often be obtained from bearing factors much cheaper than main dealers. Once you have obtained the bearing ID off it and checked availability, you may be able to break the old one out using cold chisel etc, ready to get engineer to press new ones in, also keep new bearings in freezer overnight as the slight shrinkage helps installation.
Just one more, are you sure KwiKfit weren't trying to scam you into having them do the work for you.?
Regards Doorman