My wheel bearing has gone out, so I bought the part and I'm trying to do the work myself. Anyone here tried doing the repair on a wheel bearing on their Cooper S? By the way, it's a front wheel bearing.

Just wondering, 'cause I've tried to break the 1 1/4" nut loose that holds the hub/bearing on the axle and can't get it to budge. I'm using a pretty lengthy breaker bar to no avail.

Thanks in advance,

Scott

 

Do you have a repair manual?

 

That front axle nut is torqued by the factory gorilla. Get yourself some PB Blaster and a big pipe!

 

What's PB Blaster? Where can I get that? Autozone?

You're the man, thanks!!!

Scott

 

PB Blaster is a much better formula than WD-40 for breaking bolts loose. You should be able to find it at most auto parts stores.

 

Just pickep it up at Autozone - uner $5. Thanks.

Now, to try it!

 

Oh, and I haven't picked up a repair manual. Thanks for the link.

 

Find a friend with a portable air compressor, a 1/2" drive impact gun and a big *** socket. Those 3 things will be a big help. Oh, and a torque wrench.

 

I finished the job.

I already had the 1 1/4" socket, but needed some power behind it . . . so I bought a 24" breaker bar . . . that and some PB Break (thanks above for the tip) did the trick.

That was the most difficult part . . . that nut is on there really tight. If you've ever done your own rotors, then the rest is cake.

Thanks for all the responses!

Scott

 

I just noticed my front driver wheel is beginning to roar and I need to replace my bearings- any tips from your install? What parts did you purchase?

Thanks

 

You just need the hub/bearing itself, a new axle nut, and it would be nice to get 4 new bolts.

 

anyone have the torque specs for the axle nut and the bolts that hold the hub on?

 

182 Nm (134 lb ft) per Bentley Manual.

 

What were the symptoms which told you it was a bad wheel bearing?

Could you give brief step by step, and tips (if any) for the job?

I guess I should go to the library and see if they have a shop manual, but my lazy *** finds it is easier to sit here and type the question. Oops, did I actually type that?

 

is that for the axle nut or the bolts that hold the hub on?

 

Axle nut. It's the one that holds the half shaft to the hub. It's normally the highest torque load bolt on the car. My Europa needs 150 lb ft + and it still works its way loose.

 

I've always found a nice length of iron pipe from the hardware store does the trick.

Provides that little bit of extra leverage!! Just make sure you are turning it the right way!

Always use a craftsman breaker bar. That way when you snap it off you can get a new one.

Do minis have the peened spot on the nut like BMW uses? I haven't looked.

 

yea its bent in on its self a bit to hold it in place

 

Where is the best place to order a new bearing from?

 

"Could you give brief step by step, and tips (if any) for the job?"

I'm geting ready to start the job myself and would really appreciate this too. I'll do some more searching it may already be on here somewhere.

Thanks