Wheel Bearing

[alphamike583]

It can't seem to get a clear answer from the forums - Does the front nearside wheel bearing on a B6 A4 Avant require any special tools to remove, like a press?
The bearing kit comes complete and it looks like you just bolt it on, but I can't imagine it being that simple???

Any help or how to guides???

[Camb-Tech]

I do believe it has to be pressed on to the stub even though it looks like it just bolts on like the rear bears do.

Just to add, the rears are real a easy to change.

[rhencullen1989]

I think you will find that a new front wheel bearing will come complete with the aluminium casting, it may need the hub pressed onto the bearing, but it's basically 4 bolts and it's on.

[toff]

Just came accross this image on eBay:

[philfingers]

can I ask how easy is this to do, I think I need to do my front tomorrow. Can you press the hub into the bearing with a vice?

any advice appreciated!

phil

[philfingers]

well I had the one bearing changed, looks like the other one wants doing now.
When removing the old bearing and it's carrier from the front upright will the hub come out the back in one, then press the hub out using a press. Is it possible to do using a large vice?
If not I will endeavour to buy a press, something I will find useful periodically.

All advice appreciated!

[fla]

i will need to have this done too - has anyone replaced the fronts on their B6 at home or is a press required? Also, which bearings are suggested? For my Corrado, GSF & ECP bearings are certainly given a wide berth (Topran and some other non-descript makes). Is there an SKF or NSK (or other 'proper' brand) equivalent available?

[philfingers]

it's a topran one in the OSF on mine that was done 9 months ago and looks like it's gone again. The NSF one (2 months ago) was a genuine VAG one from TPS for £60. Only about £10 more than the pattern topran one.
I struggle with pullers etc for 3 hours to get mine out and took it to a garage. They needed 10 tons to press it out!

[fla]

thanks for that Phil. Looks like i wont be doing myself then! Will try and get some pics from when the garage changes it for me.

[philfingers]

i've done cambelts on 2.5 V6's but the wheel bearings beat me! I think rears are easy enough