Rear Wheel Bearings-

[dsnyder]

Anyone have the procedure for replacing the rear wheel bearings on my 1978 Spider? Thought I'd do the shocks at the same time too.

[johndemar]

Well, you will have to pull the axles out. Get a slide hammer from Auto Zone or what other parts store is handy. They will rent it for free with a deposit to cover its cost. A shop press makes it easier to get the collar and bearing off and back on the shaft. Hardest part I can remember was getting the snap ring that holds the axle in place off and then back on. Not a particularly hard job with the right tools. I sure others with more experience will chime in.

[manoa matt]

Before pulling the axles out, order the rear axle oil seals and O-rings, wheel bearings AND the bearing retaining rings/collars. Pull the axles out and take them to a shop with the new parts. The shop will press off the old bearings and retaining rings and press on the new ones. You can pull the axles and replace the oil seals and o-rings but the bearings are not a DIY procedure unless you have at least a 2 ton press capable of pressing something as long as the axles.