Replacing Rear Wheel Bearings

To make a long story short, My 86 N/A right rear inner and outer bearings were toast. The "fun" part was replacing them. Don't even attempt this if you don't have access to air tools.

Tools needed

• 30mm Impact Socket and impact gun
• Wheel Puller
• 12mm open/box end wrench
• 12mm Socket and ratchet
• 13mm Socket
• 15mm Socket
• 17mm Socket
• Bearing Packing tool
• Long Pry-bar
• Jack and Jack Stands
• Rubber mallet

Parts List

• Oil Seal 1984-1986 Part # 43232-Z31001
• Oil Seal 1987-1989 Part # 43232-Z31002
• Inner Bearing 1984-1989 Part # 43210-Z31001
• Outter Bearing 1984-1986 Part #43215-Z31002
• Outter Bearing 1987-1989 Part #43215-Z31004
• High temperature Bearing Grease

Procedure

1. First, jack up the car and remove the tire, brake caliper and rotor assembly. Undo the 17mm bolt holding the spring seat stay, and also undo the 12mm bolt holding the e-brake cable bracket. Now pry down the spring seat stay to gain access to the bolts that hold the drive axle to the companion flange.
   
   
   
2. Now undo the 12mm bolts from the drive axle to the axle flange with nuts on the outside. On a turbo, you'll have four bolts, on a non-turbo it's 6. Now pry the axle out and remove from the differential.
3. The next step it to remove the 30mm Wheel bearing lock nut with the socket and an impact gun. To do this wedge a pry bar in the wheel studs so it does not move while loosening the wheel bearing lock nut. After that's off, use a wheel puller and pull the companion flange off of the axle shaft.
4. Once this is accomplished, you should be able to tap out the axle shaft through the bearings. Remove the bearings and replace with the new bearings after packing with grease, making sure they sit correctly in the bearing race.
   
   
   
5. Reassembly is reverse of disassembly

Torque Specs

• Wheel bearing Lock nut 217-289 Ft lbs
• Drive axle to Companion Flange Turbo 43-51 Ft lbs
• Drive axle to Companion Flange Non –Turbo 29-36 Ft lbs
• Spring seat stay 43-58 Ft lbs

Sources Used on This Page: 1984-1988 Nissan 300ZX Factory Service Manual