OK everyone, I have an 05 G35. Now, when I lift the car off the ground, the drivers rear wheel has play on the vertical plane (the lug nuts were NOT loosened) but the passenger rear wheel does not do the same. Doing a quick google search, it sounds like the bearings on the drivers rear wheel are shot; obviously, I'm going to replace them.

The question I have is:
A) do I absolutely need to replace the hub as well
B) assuming I need to replace the bearings and hub, should I do both at the same time, or can I replace one side at a time (in other words, is the failure rate equal on both sides, or do they fail independent of each other)

C) on a scale of 1-10, how difficult is this as a DIY? I've done my own Vortech installation, as well as BBK on all 4 corners

D) is there ANY difference in OEM vs aftermarket quality? I called a local tuner shop and they advised that for the most part, aftermarket parts are made to the same benchmark as OEM, but simply marketed differently.

Sorry if this was in the wrong forum; i browsed the technical section and found this the most appropriate for the topic.

Thanks in advance
John

 

If you really want to check the bearing, pull the wheel, caliper and rotor off and get down to the bare hub. Check that for movement. If you need a little extra leverage, put the rotor on with a couple lugs nuts and check that for movement. Look behind and see that it is the hub moving in the bearing.


Replacing the hub all depends on the issue with the bearing. If the bearing has failed enough that there is significant movement, then it may damage the hub. If the bearing is tight, and just noisy, then a hub can be salvaged. Also, keep in mind it's a PITA to pull the hub out of the bearing when you have the car apart and need it done. It might make more sensor to buy a bearing and hub, assemble it, and have it ready to go when you do the job.

You can do 1 side at a time. This might make it easier if you plan to reuse the hub (if it's ok) as you can pull the old hub out and reuse it on the other side.

DIY is not that bad. You will need some mechanical aptitude and there is a DIY in the tech forum. If you've down a blower and BBK install, you should be able to handle this. Might need a hub bearing socket, and access to a press.

I've used Timkin bearings and found them to be repackaged OEM bearings from NTN. have not tried the aftermarket bearings personally.

I've done both my front bearings on my X (similar to rear bearings on RWD) and it wasn't that bad if you have the tools.