DIY: Front & Rear Wheel Bearing Replacement

[my03e46325xi]

I started hearing a "ghur ghur" sound every time I steer left (while driving). Whenever I steered right, the noise disappeared. Took car in to get a diagnostic and they told me it's the left rear wheel bearing that needs to be replaced. I read some where that if you only hear the sound when you turn the wheel one way then it has to be the front ones. Regardless...I will eventually have to jack the car up and test all the wheels (shaking tires, etc.)

I plan/intend on doing this DIY project myself. But question is...does anyone have a good DIY w/pics or video? About 2 months ago, I replaced the brakes/rotors so I'm not completely clueless. But everywhere I see...you need this "special" (aka EXPENSIVE) dealer bearing remover tool. I want to make sure I have all tools before I start. Can't I just use any bearing puller from advanced auto or sears instead?!


Any help is truly appreciated!!!


my03e46325xi

BMW Wheel Hub Bearing Replacement : DIY [ How To - Part 1 and 2 ] /// 330i (E46)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OU2xSBvXA5g
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VALR5pNoB90

BMW Removing the Inner Bearing Race : DIY [ How To - Front Axle ] /// 330i (E46)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qx9X6Np6_NA

BMW Wheel Hub Bearing Noise - Before & After /// 330i (E46)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gf3k21QiQxs


Front wheel bearings look easy cheesy but it is the rear bearings that are a PITA:
http://teamdfl.com/bmw/e46/rear_wheel_bearing/index.html

[smolck]

I started hearing a "ghur ghur" sound every time I steer left (while driving). Whenever I steered right, the noise disappeared. Took car in to get a diagnostic and they told me it's the left rear wheel bearing that needs to be replaced. I read some where that if you only hear the sound when you turn the wheel one way then it has to be the front ones. Regardless...I will eventually have to jack the car up and test all the wheels (shaking tires, etc.)

I plan/intend on doing this DIY project myself. But question is...does anyone have a good DIY w/pics or video? About 2 months ago, I replaced the brakes/rotors so I'm not completely clueless. But everywhere I see...you need this "special" (aka EXPENSIVE) dealer bearing remover tool. I want to make sure I have all tools before I start. Can't I just use any bearing puller from advanced auto or sears instead?!


Any help is truly appreciated!!!


my03e46325xi

The only "expensive" tool is the 46mm 12 point socket you need to remove the nut. I bought mine for $50 at sears. I'd be happy to loan it to you (you cover shipping and a $50 deposit). I used a puller from Advance Auto to remove the old hub. There are several good DIY's on e46fanatics.com. PM me if you want the socket, some places will rent them but I have never seen the 46mm one for rent.

[my03e46325xi]

Smolck,
Thanks a lot for your advice. I checked out e46fanatics.com...got a few nice DIY articles/videos. I called my local Auto Zone and they have a few pullers I can "check out".

I plan on beginning the project this weekend. Hopefully it will go well. Will post my progress over the weekend!

Thanks again!

[acet]

well....progress...?

[BimmersGarage]

@ genuity
:buttrock
Hey thanks for posting my videos on this forum. I hope all the members will find these How-To videos useful.

Let me know if you have any questions.


@ my03e46325xi
:eek:
Did you figure out which bearing(s) was giving you the noise problems??

[genuity]

@ genuity
:buttrock
Hey thanks for posting my videos on this forum. I hope all the members will find these How-To videos useful.

Thanks for the excellent DIY, I am about to undertake this now that I have all my parts and equipment :D

Now if I can just do my rear wheel bearings :confused

[BimmersGarage]

Thanks for the excellent DIY, I am about to undertake this now that I have all my parts and equipment :D

Now if I can just do my rear wheel bearings :confused

Certainly man.. Just take your time and have a few cool beers ready. It'll make the process more enjoyable. ;)

Hey, what part of Texas are you at? I would like to do a video DIY on the rear bearings install.

[Grim Reaper]

If you guys are in Dallas I'd be willing to lend a hand and bring over my puller sets and B90 Master Kit to tackle the rears.

[genuity]

Certainly man.. Just take your time and have a few cool beers ready. It'll make the process more enjoyable. ;)

Hey, what part of Texas are you at? I would like to do a video DIY on the rear bearings install.

I am 300 miles due south of you, which does not quite help me out :(


If you guys are in Dallas I'd be willing to lend a hand and bring over my puller sets and B90 Master Kit to tackle the rears.

Boy, I could use that B90 kit now ;) Any chance y'all are moving down to space city anytime soon? :D

[BimmersGarage]

If you guys are in Dallas I'd be willing to lend a hand and bring over my puller sets and B90 Master Kit to tackle the rears.

Reaper.. Hey thanks for the offer. I'm in Dallas.
Currently my rear bearings are still okay, (knocking on wood) but I will definitely keep your offer in mind.

I definitely want to make a DIY video of the process, when it comes time.

[weigun]

BimmersGarage, let us know when you have the rear bearings diy videos!!!

-Will

[BimmersGarage]

BimmersGarage, let us know when you have the rear bearings diy videos!!!

-Will

Hey Will,
You got it!

I'm currently working on some projects under the hood. But, as soon as I move down to the backend of the vehicle I'll post what I have.

Also, remember to check your cooling system!

[my03e46325xi]

Hey folks!
Sorry for the delay! I was doing this..and f*cked up the axle nut...so couldn't remove it using a 18 inch breakerbar. Plus I don't have an impact wrench, so I just took it to the mechanic and they replaced it. I STILL GOT THE NOISE!! So took it back to mechanic and he said, "I'll have to disassemble the suspension to see if anything is wrong...could possibly be axle, cv,..." So I plan on taking it back there and having them find out what the F is the problem! This is annoying.

By the way, those videos posted above...those are the ones I saw. I have them bookmarked. Very good videos. But unfortunately, didn't work on mine. I need to get a chisel set, and impact wrench (electric one, like this... http://www.toolbarn.com/hitachi-wr22sa.html ) I'm sure that'll loosen anything ;)

[BimmersGarage]

By the way, those videos posted above...those are the ones I saw. I have them bookmarked. Very good videos. But unfortunately, didn't work on mine. I need to get a chisel set, and impact wrench (electric one, like this... http://www.toolbarn.com/hitachi-wr22sa.html ) I'm sure that'll loosen anything ;)

Thanks.
Well, because it's all wheel drive your front bearings are very different from RWD model... So, you have a locking ring holding in your bearing (it is a seperate/individual unit) from the Hub.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=EU33&mospid=47722&btnr=31_0564&hg=31&fg=10

Any how, what kind noise(s) are you still having? Do you have a video? May be it's the CV joints that's making the noise.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=EU33&mospid=47722&btnr=31_0852&hg=31&fg=20

Yeah, that impact wrench should do the trick... Bust off the king pin too! :eek:

[my03e46325xi]

Thanks.
Well, because it's all wheel drive your front bearings are very different from RWD model... So, you have a locking ring holding in your bearing (it is a seperate/individual unit) from the Hub.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=EU33&mospid=47722&btnr=31_0564&hg=31&fg=10

Any how, what kind noise(s) are you still having? Do you have a video? May be it's the CV joints that's making the noise.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=EU33&mospid=47722&btnr=31_0852&hg=31&fg=20

Yeah, that impact wrench should do the trick... Bust off the king pin too! :eek:



Still don't know what's causing the noise. The mechanic said he'll have to reassemble everything to check it out piece by piece. I'm in DC, so pretty much buried with snow. Once the snow melt...I'll be dropping my car off at the mechanics. Will definitely let you guys know what the problem is! Damn XI!! I wish I had a 330Ci :cool

Got appt at mechanic's tomorrow. Once they diagnose the problem (or at least attempt to), I'll post an update!

I definitely don't want other people having the same problem going round and round wasting time/money like I did!


Waleed

[my03e46325xi]

OKAY. Update on my 325xi. Mechanic put the car on the lift, pretty much removed wheel hub, bearing, axle...and saw everything fine. According to him, he sees NOTHING wrong. He did mention that he will have to use some type of listening device that will give a computer printout of where the sound is coming from. But he can't do that until 2-3 weeks from now.

I am HIGHLY thinking of trading this car in for a 330ci. I am tired of spending money to NOT fix it.

Any suggestions?!

[genuity]

I am HIGHLY thinking of trading this car in for a 330ci. I am tired of spending money to NOT fix it.

Any suggestions?!

So knowing what you know about subframe problems, possibility of no-reverse (I think only on first couple years of production on the E46), and the slew host of other common problems, you would actually consider another one? I would mainly be concerned about the subframe, since the cost to repair it seems to be the most expensive out of other common replacement items. :confused

[my03e46325xi]

So knowing what you know about subframe problems, possibility of no-reverse (I think only on first couple years of production on the E46), and the slew host of other common problems, you would actually consider another one? I would mainly be concerned about the subframe, since the cost to repair it seems to be the most expensive out of other common replacement items. :confused


The subframe of an XI is different from the Ci. One is all wheel drive, the other is RWD.

[PsychoCemia]

Sorry to resurrect this, but I'm wondering if you ever got it figured out. Or what did you end up doing? I've got the same problem. "whur whur" at 40+ mph when going straight or turning left, but goes away when turning right. What's interesting is I've got a 330ci, not xi. :P

[PsychoCemia]

Edit: double. Damn internet connection :P

[my03e46325xi]

Sorry to resurrect this, but I'm wondering if you ever got it figured out. Or what did you end up doing? I've got the same problem. "whur whur" at 40+ mph when going straight or turning left, but goes away when turning right. What's interesting is I've got a 330ci, not xi. :P


Well, I ended up replacing the front left and rear left wheel bearings...and that STILL didn't fix the problem. I have read on these forums that if the noise is there when you go straight, or turn (let's say left), and goes away when you turn right,,,then it is your right wheel bearing. If the noise goes away when you turn right, then it's your left wheel bearing.

I might be talking out my ass on this...but I could have sworn I read that some place.

As for my car and the noise...I plan on replacing the RIGHT front wheel bearing, but a little later since it isn't a major problem...other than an aural annoyance.

Let me know what you end up doing!
Waleed

[my03e46325xi]

Just an update. After I replaced/overhauled the front suspension...(new struts, control arms, bushings, brackets, etc.), the noise stopped. I realized the noise was actually from a worn control arm bushing. No noise now :)

[rampage2587]

i had one question. does anybody know how much it would cost to have a mechanic do it versus me buying the tools and new parts. what would the savings be. i'm debating on wether or not to do it myself. i dont have that 46mm socket or bearing race installer. the 46mm socket i saw online requires a 3/4 inch drive torque wrench which i def dont have and dosent sound cheap. i may be able to barrow some of the tools but at this point i'm not sure.

[ErickBlackwelde]

Thank you for the insightful videos. Now I have the knowledge to do the job, and my buddy, Big Dave has the cool-guy-tools to replace the front-left bearing on my 2001 325xiT.

[EsE46]

Need some input...
I'm in the middle of doing my right front wheel bearing. I've now got the new hub/bearing on --I was careful to only press/hit on the bearing race (my 36 mm socket normally used for the oil filter cap worked perfectly).
And, I've tightened the nut down a little ways...maybe 80 ft lbs at this point. But, when I try to spin the hub, I can barely turn it.

My question; is that normal? Will it only start spinning freely after weight is on the wheels and I've driven around a bit?
Thx

Sent from my EVO

[TerraPhantm]

There was definitely more resistance on my new hubs than my old ones. My understanding is they take a bit of time before they start spinning completely freely (though it shouldn't feel like it's seized either)

[EsE46]

Update:
I went ahead and completed the install of both of the front bearings. Both were similarly tight...could hardly turn them and wouldn't really "spin" even with the wheels on. When I took it for a test drive, it started off grinding a bit but after a few miles it cleared and now they seem fine.
The brand I used are FEQ so if you get those expect a break in period.