Shocking Secrets Revealed: How to Change Corsa C Rear Wheel Bearing Like a Pro

Replacing a rear wheel bearing on your Corsa C can seem daunting, but with the right tools, knowledge, and a little patience, it’s a task well within the reach of the average DIY enthusiast. This guide will walk you through the process step by step, ensuring you can tackle this job confidently and save yourself some money.

Why Replace a Rear Wheel Bearing?

A worn-out rear wheel bearing can cause a variety of symptoms, including:

• Grinding or rumbling noises: This is often the first sign of a failing bearing, particularly when turning or driving over bumps.
• Wobbly steering: A worn bearing can cause the wheel to wobble, making it difficult to steer.
• Vibrations: You may feel vibrations in the steering wheel or through the car’s body.
• Increased tire wear: A faulty bearing can cause uneven tire wear.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s time to inspect your rear wheel bearings and consider replacement.

Gathering the Necessary Tools and Supplies

Before you begin, ensure you have the following tools and supplies:

• Jack and axle stands: These are essential for lifting the car safely.
• Wheel wrench: Used to remove the wheel.
• Torque wrench: Essential for tightening bolts to the correct specification.
• Hammer and punch: For removing the bearing race.
• Bearing puller: This tool makes removing the bearing much easier.
• Grease: Use a high-quality bearing grease for lubrication.
• New rear wheel bearing: Choose a quality replacement bearing from a reputable supplier.
• Safety glasses and gloves: Protect yourself from potential hazards.

Preparing Your Corsa C for the Job

1. Park your car on a level surface: Ensure the handbrake is engaged and the car is in park (or first gear if manual).
2. Chock the front wheels: This prevents the car from rolling while you’re working.
3. Loosen the wheel nuts: Use the wheel wrench to loosen the wheel nuts before jacking up the car.
4. Jack up the car: Using the jack, lift the car until the rear wheel is off the ground.
5. Secure the car with axle stands: Place the axle stands under the car’s chassis, ensuring they are securely positioned before removing the jack.

Removing the Old Rear Wheel Bearing

1. Remove the wheel: Once the car is safely supported, remove the wheel nuts and take off the wheel.
2. Remove the brake caliper: Carefully remove the brake caliper and hang it from the suspension using a wire or bungee cord. Ensure the brake hose is not stretched or kinked.
3. Remove the brake disc: The brake disc can be removed by removing the bolts holding it to the hub.
4. Remove the hub nut: This is the large nut in the center of the hub. You may need a breaker bar or impact wrench for this.
5. Remove the hub: Once the hub nut is removed, the hub can be pulled off the axle shaft.
6. Remove the old bearing: Using a bearing puller, carefully remove the old bearing from the hub.

Installing the New Rear Wheel Bearing

1. Clean the hub: Ensure the hub is clean and free of any debris or rust.
2. Pack the new bearing with grease: Apply a generous amount of grease to the inner and outer races of the new bearing.
3. Install the new bearing: Using the bearing puller, carefully press the new bearing onto the hub. Ensure it is properly seated.
4. Install the hub: Place the hub back onto the axle shaft and tighten the hub nut. Use a torque wrench to tighten the nut to the manufacturer’s specifications.
5. Reinstall the brake disc and caliper: Reinstall the brake disc and caliper, ensuring the caliper is correctly positioned and the brake pads are properly seated.
6. Tighten the wheel nuts: Tighten the wheel nuts by hand, then use the torque wrench to tighten them to the manufacturer’s specifications.
7. Lower the car: Lower the car using the jack and remove the axle stands.
8. Test drive: Before driving, test the brakes to ensure they are functioning correctly. Take the car for a short test drive to check for any unusual noises or vibrations.

Final Touches: Ensuring a Smooth Ride

• Check for leaks: After driving, inspect the wheel hub for any leaks. If you see any, tighten the hub nut further.
• Lubricate the caliper: Apply a light coating of grease to the caliper slide pins to prevent them from seizing.
• Adjust the handbrake: After replacing the bearing, you may need to adjust the handbrake.

The Importance of Regular Maintenance

Replacing a rear wheel bearing is a relatively straightforward task, but it’s crucial to perform regular maintenance on your Corsa C to prevent premature wear and tear. This includes:

• Regularly inspecting the bearings: Check for any signs of damage or wear.
• Lubricating the bearings: Use high-quality grease to keep the bearings lubricated.
• Replacing worn bearings: Don’t wait until a bearing fails completely. Replace it as soon as you notice any signs of wear.

Aftercare and Enjoying a Smoother Ride

Following these steps will allow you to replace your Corsa C’s rear wheel bearing with confidence. You’ll enjoy a smoother ride, reduced noise, and peace of mind knowing you tackled this job yourself.

Popular Questions

Q: How often should I replace my rear wheel bearings?

A: Wheel bearings are typically designed to last for a long time, but they can wear out prematurely due to factors like driving conditions and maintenance. Generally, you should inspect your bearings every 50,000 miles or as recommended in your owner’s manual.

Q: What happens if I don’t replace a worn-out rear wheel bearing?

A: Ignoring a worn-out bearing can lead to serious problems, including:

• Complete bearing failure: This can cause the wheel to seize, resulting in a loss of control and potentially a serious accident.
• Damage to other components: A failing bearing can damage the hub, axle, and other suspension components.
• Increased noise and vibrations: This can make driving uncomfortable and unsafe.

Q: How can I tell if my rear wheel bearing is worn out?

A: Listen for grinding or rumbling noises, especially when turning or driving over bumps. If you feel vibrations in the steering wheel or through the car’s body, it could also be a sign of a worn-out bearing.

Q: Can I replace the rear wheel bearing without removing the hub?

A: No, it’s not possible to replace the bearing without removing the hub. The bearing is pressed onto the hub, so you need to remove the hub to access and replace the bearing.

Q: How much does it cost to replace a rear wheel bearing at a garage?

A: The cost of replacing a rear wheel bearing at a garage varies depending on the location, labor rates, and the type of bearing. It can range from $100 to $300 or more.