Removing A Stuck Subaru Rear Wheel Bearing

Рет қаралды 987,804

Жыл бұрын

In this video I bring you along as I have tackle the most feared job of all rust belt mechanics. The dreaded Subaru rear wheel bearing. These things are perhaps the most seized bearing you can change. They rank right up there with the infamous Ford Explorer rear bearing. I'll show you the trick I use to get the job done in a short time and with minimum crying,
-Enjoy!
If an SMA Video has helped you out please consider giving using "Patreon" to help support us. The videos take real time to create and pull us away from real work that pays our bills. CLICK HERE: / southmainauto
CHECK OUT OUR "SMA SWAG" STORE! Go on Teespring and get your very own SMA merch!
teespring.com/stores/the-sma-...
If you don't like Patreon feel free to use the "PayPal Me" link: www.paypal.me/SouthMainAuto
The South Main Auto Amazon Store:
www.amazon.com/shop/southmain...
AES Wave Automotive Diagnostic Tools: www.aeswave.com/cart.php?m=af...
Thank you for all the continuing support!
--Eric & Vanessa O.
Feel like sending some swag to SMA because you love the videos but don't know where to send it?
Just ship it here:
South Main Auto Repair
47 S. Main St
PO Box 471
Avoca, NY 14809
Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of South Main Auto Repair, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. South Main Auto Repair assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. South Main Auto Repair recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of South Main Auto Repair, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained.

Пікірлер: 2 400

@SouthMainAuto Жыл бұрын

Gulf Distressed Vintage Adjustable Snapback Hat: amzn.to/3XFelV9

@drloch6174 Жыл бұрын

Got one when I saw yours

@kenj.8897 Жыл бұрын

I love your hat and I'm not cheap , but I can't bring myself to pay 27 bucks for a cap . But I just paid 3k for a new hunting dog lol

@JBlake-moon-shdo Жыл бұрын

Great tip Eric. I admire the fact that your able to keep the "G" rating even when frustrated. Mine unfortunately is still rather "x" rated...lol👍

@samshearer6955 Жыл бұрын

LOL, that went right over my head, I thought of something else. So I clicked on the link. I haven’t worn a hat since 95 when I retired from the army. Except a few times when I forgot to wear a ponytail while working with power tools. I had to wear one to cover my shaved head while working outside. ;)

@cptophers4626 Жыл бұрын

@@kenj.8897 well, at least you wouldn't have to feed the hat.

@unfair_potato Жыл бұрын

Hey Eric, bloody top video, as a diy-er and a Subaru owner, I really appreciate this. I have decided that this is a pivotal decision point, and with the confidence you've given me, I have decided to sell my car and never look back.

@PeterDiCapua Жыл бұрын

this guy...

@extorter Жыл бұрын

lmfaooo

@bishop_98 Жыл бұрын

😂😂😂😂😂😂

@hatefunwrx Жыл бұрын

😂😂 it's not that bad granted I was working in a shop that was luckily in Florida and the ones I did I got lucky and they were almost to easy. At least give her a kiss good bye

@sonnyyellowhair Жыл бұрын

Cake

@tomd5010 Жыл бұрын

I thought the most feared job of all-time was working the complaint desk at Dorman auto parts

@PeterEndelt Жыл бұрын

😂😂😂

@philiphied Жыл бұрын

I thought it was working the service desk at the Kia/Hyundai dealership.

@jasonwilson1677 Жыл бұрын

That bearing puler is a crazy price I will never buy one

@jasoncrandall73 Жыл бұрын

You buy crappy Chinese parts you should be expecting crappy Chinese parts.

@mitchvankesteren6771 Жыл бұрын

Man I could only imagine! What do you expect when you buy those dog shit parts but people are ignorant as hell so I could see that job being horrible!

@nomuff2tuff87 Жыл бұрын

Damn!!! Finally real world mechanic issues in a KZfaq video that’s short and sweet and to the point. Love it!

@gwall1789 2 ай бұрын

Just did my daughter’s 2015 a week ago. Stumbled on this video by coincidence. I have all the tools at work, but had to do the job in my driveway (long story). Used a sledge hammer and PB Blaster. Hub came out. I’ve done many jobs like this, but this was my first Subaru. Wasn’t that bad. Maybe I got lucky.

@Smithers4 24 күн бұрын

Do you live in an area where they salt the roads often in winter?

@davaogary7042 Жыл бұрын

My welding motto (13:10) is "The bigger the blob, the better the job". :)

@iskandertime747 Жыл бұрын

"Grinder and paint make me the welder I 'aint"

@erniew5805 Жыл бұрын

@@iskandertime747 yea real welders are proud of them beads .. not me

@erniew5805 Жыл бұрын

i use Dobby Don's welding and dog kennel .the bigger the gob the better the job.

@Troy_Built Жыл бұрын

My brother said that about a girl he took home one night.

@allanfranco4464 Жыл бұрын

YOU CAN WELD ALL THE BIRD SHIT YOU LIKE ,BUT ITS NOT HOW NICE THE WELD ITS HAVING GOOD PENETRATION THATS THE QUALITY OF WELD

@76fordpinto Жыл бұрын

"if you can't weld good, weld a lot" Best line.

@RingZero Жыл бұрын

I liked the line as well, but that could also give birth to a lot of bad welders 🙂

@76fordpinto Жыл бұрын

@@RingZero you know what they say... The worst welders become the best grinders. People ask are you a welder? I say NO I can make two pieces of metal stick together but I'm not a welder

@eduffy4937 Жыл бұрын

Measure with a mic, cut with an axe, beat to fit, paint to match.

@boblee2550 Жыл бұрын

The bigger the blob the better the job.

@s0nnyburnett Жыл бұрын

applies to tying knots too.

@user-xy4rw6ew3k 8 ай бұрын

Spot on! Spent the better part of a day trying to get the rear hub off a 2014 Forester. Then followed Eric's process with success . Cheers!

@cortexreaver9484 4 ай бұрын

Truly an awesome method. I wish I searched up this solution *BEFORE* I tackled the job. Oh well, we got it done with your help. Thank you, sir!

@newjersey502 Жыл бұрын

Eric O , u are the best my friend!!! I am a Subaru Mechanic and almost always just remove the knuckle and press the bearing out with a shop press. At our shop we always replace the backing plate with the bearing so we don’t care that the press mangles the backing plate. U are 100% correct it’s not a job for the timid. The bearing just laughs at the tool known as the hub buster. Your method was also very effective and faster than removing the knuckle. Thank You for this Video.

@debtminer4976 Жыл бұрын

You're going to look like a rockstar next week at work..😂

@allanfranco4464 Жыл бұрын

PUT THE TORCH TO THE HOUSING AND PUT 4 BOLTS ON LOSELY AND HAMMER IT OUT AINT ALL THAT HARD JUST GOT TO STOP AND THINK

@MH-ev3wr Жыл бұрын

@@allanfranco4464 Ope, we got us a thinker! And he loves to yell!

@lupavo1738 Жыл бұрын

Lisle literally makes a hub pressing tool very similar to what he just welded.

@newjersey502 Жыл бұрын

Lisle 40100 Hub Remover was a fail. As was the hub buster .

@billr6983 Жыл бұрын

As much as I appreciate Eric's videos where he tracks down electrical or engine or other complicated problems using schematics and detailed logical troubleshooting, I have come to love these banging and crashing heavy tools videos changing out major parts. Sort of therapeutic for some reason.

@dchawk81 Жыл бұрын

I'm disappointed if he doesn't use fire. When I replaced the 5th wheel bushings on my Mack today it made me sad that fire wasn't required.

@garygruber1452 Жыл бұрын

It's therapeutic for me because I would never attempt a wheel bearing (I'm 74 and brake jobs are my specialty) -- and I own a Subaru Forester. Mine is getting up there (2009, 183,000 mi) and probably needs new bearings all the way around. Maybe I'll drive it cross country and ask Eric to have a look...

@David.. Жыл бұрын

Nothing better than that moment you’re hitting something that’s seized with a big ass hammer or impact and it starts to move. I mean there are more enjoyable moments but you’re not wearing pants for those.

@cornholio324 4 ай бұрын

@@dchawk81problem is that Plastic ABS sensor is not cheap and won’t come out without another fight. Also can’t cook the axle boot. To remove the axle you need to remove the control arms and the bolts will be frozen in the sleeves. This is a huge can of worms if you start going too ham on it. 😂

@kxngdavid 4 ай бұрын

He's telling the truth. I changed my entire wheel assembly myself, and it was painful. I started at 1 PM and didn't finish until 9 PM. I had to fight to get the tie rod off, then had to fight to get the hub off the ball joint at the bottom. A pickle fork is the most valuable tool to have when doing anything with the wheel assembly. I learned that the hard way. Will I do it again? Absolutely. I now have the proper tools for the job and knowledge of what not to do. If the other bearing goes out, I think I can complete the job in an hour.

@imagenotfound Ай бұрын

Those eight-hour learning curves Every. First. Time.🕰

@williamlaurence4754 5 ай бұрын

Love watching a mechanic that knows his job inside out and works fast. Thumbs up !

@paulsullivan6392 Жыл бұрын

A top flight diagnostician, a super sharp mechanic who figures out how to make things work, save time, and is willing to share his knowledge. That would be Eric O of South Main Auto. Well done sir.

@bertoltb1358 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for continuing to share these videos, you’re a busy man and it’s appreciated that you take the time to record for the masses.

@catfisher420 Жыл бұрын

KZfaq pays more than the repair. he is a genious. in cars and in business.

@rockharvey5787 10 ай бұрын

I did this with my buddy today, and was absolutely amazed how stuck that hub was. We beat the snot out of the hub with a sledge, did a couple hundred whacks with a 5lb slide hammer, and hammered in a chisel from the side. When we do the other side I’m breaking out the welder!

@cardoc4406 8 ай бұрын

Done many of these using every method you could think of except that.Last one I did was in my driveway for my son in law after I retired. Took about 2 hours and he was amazed how frozen it was. I have 3 welders and never thought of using them. Nice work/idea.

@robertmedina6875 Жыл бұрын

OK, being a welder for many years and working for caterpillar. I wanted to suggest some things that with that would help out the viewers. If you’re using a 110 V welder and you don’t have enough heat to make it,say welding that heavy of a metal piece. What you do is take your torch and heat up the wheel bearing side to red hot and then make your weld. I hope this helps someone. Great video!

@southtexasheat Жыл бұрын

Just wanted to say thanks. I've saved so much money learning from you. Also, I've left your channel on autoplay in my living room tv and its like working in my own shop! The sounds of the ugga duggas, the air tools blasting, the sound effects, it's pure asmr for me !

@davidshettlesworth1442 Жыл бұрын

I Stumbled upon your channel. I am impressed and horrified with the amount of rust you mechanics in the North East have to deal with. You guys are just Tough up there in the Rust Belt! Adapting, Improvising, and Overcoming! Carry On Sir!

@okkrom Жыл бұрын

And this isint even really rusted. Thats like standard everyday normal rust. "An easy one"

@janetcohen9190 Жыл бұрын

Yes doing a show & tell helps much toward what mechanics do and the issues they must overcome on daily basis. Yes, kudos for video presented and thank you. For both vehicle owners' and more so for mechanics dedicated to quality works: The issues are many, from design of mechanical assembly, how well it's made, redundancies for durability, serviceablilty, parts availability, mfgr/gov planned-obsolescence, costs of parts, etc. Then know-how, tools, equipment, critical thinking & creativity, patience to make reliable repairs / refurbishing works. As to "Rust Belt" area 80% of contiguous USA and 90% of CAN achieve Rust Belt by "Official Political Policies & Practises" by govs' Towns, Cities, Counties, States/Provinces, applying Salts, NaCl, CaCl, MgCl, KcL, CMA, in Crystal forms, blends & brines, etc during each winter season. Millions of tonnes applied each winter. They are all corrosive, deteriorate cars, trucks, roads, bridges, utilities, & all infrastructures causing hazards, perils, ruin, wastes, pollution, and massive costs/ debts plus interest / usury: aka Indentured servitude, serfdom, slavery. Coupled with requiring replacement of cars, trucks, etc sooner/ faster and faster. All under illusions of Salts assuring safety during travels. If you like, learn more about road Salts. They have migrated/flowed and are in freshwater ponds, creeks, rivers, lakes, reservoirs, aquifers, and in drinking water.

@robertlindsay9826 Жыл бұрын

If only a smattering of grease or Cooperslip was used while assembling at the factory, would save future humanity so much time...

@gerardcousineau3478 Жыл бұрын

@@okkromyep😊

@beanmachine3112 11 ай бұрын

I am a beginnerish DIYer. Tried to do this exact job with my buddy who has the same amount of experience. We used a slide hammer to successfully pull the front of the bearing off, but could not for the life of us get the housing separated. I called in support from my father in law, who is a big burly diesel mechanic. He brought air tools and an acetylene torch. Long story short, he couldn't get it off at my house, so he took the entire knuckle off and brought it back to his shop. He cut the housing in half with an acetylene torch and pressed the housing off with a press. I was out of a car for a week. He warned me KZfaq made it look easy but I wanted to try it myself...never again.

@PickupsAreNotTrucks 9 ай бұрын

Good on your for giving it a go. Don’t know til ya try it. Next time it’ll go twice as fast! Don’t be a quitter!!

@ddiablolll 8 ай бұрын

Subaru wheel bearings are well known in the shop, the rear ones will never come apart

@dwgjr330 8 ай бұрын

the night before- remove ABS sensor - flood with penatrating oil of choice and let that sucker soak. it will go much easier the next day. (might still need to slam it/ use a puller) but it will at least have some lube in there already. DO NOT! attempt front ball joints haha (also check out Mr Subaru)

@bigr0075 5 ай бұрын

Do they not have rear complete knuckles? Cost prohibitive? Might be easier and cheaper than a shop to go all new

@santoro2020 Жыл бұрын

Very courteous of you to Fluid Film the new bearing, that'll make it easier for the next guy at Wilbert's to remove it.

@jaturnley Жыл бұрын

Heh, given the rust most cars he works on don't last long enough to need this repair twice anyway.

@sebastien4565 Жыл бұрын

@@jaturnley That's the joke. The next guy pulling this will be at the junkyard removing it for it's own car.

@scottbaker9066 Жыл бұрын

@@sebastien4565 Yep, Wilbert's is the junkyard - you have got to be hungry to use junkyard bearings ...

@LesReeves Жыл бұрын

@@scottbaker9066 Hope I'm never that desperate (using secondhand wheel bearings.)

@leonkernan Жыл бұрын

And still not a sponsor.

@toddbartlett8817 Жыл бұрын

I'm a Subaru tech and we use a similar tool to the bolt on hub bar. It's a giant metal tube with a flange welded to it to attach to the wheel studs. It's very heavy and a bit ackward to install but it works like a hot damn. Also, it sounds like a gong when you hit it so we stuff a shop fender cover into it. Fun and games!

@lupavo1738 Жыл бұрын

Lisle also makes this similar hub pressing tool as well.

@Hazeyone7977 Жыл бұрын

Great tip, Eric O! I work at a Subaru dealership. We just replace the entire knuckle. I'm gonna try this trick and hopefully save my customers some money.

@newjersey502 Жыл бұрын

The new knuckle approach would be the fastest and cleanest is my opinion and least chance of a call back. I’m reading all the posts on the hammering and the bushings on the upper control and the trail arm will only take so much pounding . Thanks !

@fatplumber3887 Жыл бұрын

I was more impressed with how easily you put that e brake back together 😂 would have taken me half an hour

@omarpulido8502 3 ай бұрын

That's the different between a pro and an amateur

@craigbouwkamp1212 Жыл бұрын

You are awesome. I love your video's. I'm almost 73, retired for 10 years, mechanic and shop owner for 50 years. You remind me of the fun I had doing what I loved.

@bstamand1985 Жыл бұрын

For those who don't have a mig - If you only have a stick welder use a 6010 or 6011 rod and that will have so much penetration for the weld bead, even Tommy would be jealous.

@billclayton8127 Жыл бұрын

And Bob's your uncle😄

@feetfats1 Жыл бұрын

7018 would be better for this application but your choice would work good to.

@bstamand1985 Жыл бұрын

@@feetfats1 why? Personally I wouldn't use 7018. Its not fast freezing. The bead is wide. Its a bitch to restart unless you file the tip every time. Also 7018 doesn't penetrate for a deep root. It's why we don't use it for a root, only a cap. Also unless it's fresh avocado, hydro rods go south and no one is buying a bundle of hydro rods for 2.

@weavercattlecompany Жыл бұрын

@@bstamand1985 You're obviously not aware that 7018 is used for root & cap in other countries because 6010/6011 isn't available. It takes more skill to run 7018 open root than using a fast-freeze electrode 😊

@weavercattlecompany Жыл бұрын

@@feetfats1 Yes, 6013/7014/7018 can be used (low/medium penetration) hence the reason his poor quality MIG welds worked just fine. Some people have no real world experience and apparently don't know that 6010/6011 welds are brittle when compared to 6013/7014/7018's ductility which comes in real handy when using brute force to remove things 😊 There's a reason 6010/6011 root passes are covered with a more ductile welding electrode material. Some people apparently think the world revolves around pipe welding 😉

@domenicosuppappola676 Жыл бұрын

I've done this recently and ended up resorting to using a set of chisels to separate the backing plate from the knuckle. It worked well and went quickly once I figured it out. All you need is a set of chisels of varying fatness and a small sledge. The suspension knuckle and the backing plate meet such that there is a V grove as the knuckle tapers to the meeting point of the backing plate. Find a chisel that is a bit larger in diameter than the V-groove. Spray the joint separation points both in back and front of the backing plate liberally with penetrating oil. Place the chisel on the side of the assembly opposite from the brake caliper mounting in that V-groove. Pound away with a small sledge until a gap appears. Insert fatter chisels as the joint opens and use additional chisels simultaneously along different points in the opening crack to provide more force overall without over stressing any single point. That joint won't take more than 5 minutes to crack open. And you won't damage the backing plate-it has a thick metal stiffener plate at the separation point that prevents bending. Be sure to grease or anti-seize the inner circumference of the bearing recess to make the job easier in the future.

@joeyoungs8426 5 ай бұрын

Spot on. I actually have a set of cold chisels just for bearing removal. I also use SIL-Glyde for the pilot diameter just in case I end up doing it again.

@gvlowe75 2 ай бұрын

"Do you wanna go to war, Balake ??!!??" Mr. Garvey is now a mechanic. Amazing.

@edbayotlang5300 19 күн бұрын

@@gvlowe75 lol, now I have to search for the video!!! Hahaha

@shaneman20 Жыл бұрын

Having done about 4 sets myself, 2 on my own STi, and 2 on Customer vehicles, I'm gonna have to work on trying this. I'm absolutely convinced that the rust holds those in there. The bolts are nothing more than place-setters or holding fixtures. The rust is what holds those in there.

@c.d.5138 Жыл бұрын

I’ve spent 40 years turning wrenches……. You provide endless entertainment 😂👍

@johnrpizzaguy Жыл бұрын

This September I will have 40 years as well and yes I find his videos both entertaining and sometimes I learn a new trick.

@arealsourapple 4 ай бұрын

Thanks for this. I knew I was in for a rough one doing this job tomorrow. I was ready to pull the whole knuckle off, but in the rust belt, the fewer fasteners you have to touch, the better. So I'm going to go straight for this method without trying anything else. Will report back to say how it goes.

@arealsourapple 3 ай бұрын

Reporting back as promised. This method worked great. On the first side my welds started to fail and the bolt started going askew, but it was enough to break the rust union anyway. I took what I learned from that near failure and on the otherside I preheated the bearing , welded two nuts as before, and used a broken bolt beneath them instead of a third nut. This time it came off like butter. Super easy. 110v flux core. Thanks South Main.

@stevofromiowa Жыл бұрын

If you don't have a welder, an even better way is to use an air chisel on the back side of the backing plate. Use the flat bit towards the top where there is a place to wedge the bit between the housing and the bearing hub which is about 3/8 of an inch wide. I fought one for several hours before going back to the drawing board and finding a KZfaq video which showed the procedure. MUCH quicker and easier than the welder!

@yvanauchterloni5923 11 ай бұрын

Yeah I do the same. Chisel bit on an air hammer and get in between the bearing and the backing plate. The plate takes a bit of damage, but just hammer it out flat after and off you go!

@liberalsockpuppet4772 10 ай бұрын

Thank you! I'm about ready to flatbed my car to the shop. I'll try that!

@martyc5674 10 ай бұрын

How’d it go?

@stevofromiowa 10 ай бұрын

@@liberalsockpuppet4772 Did it work for you?

@liberalsockpuppet4772 8 ай бұрын

@@martyc5674 I ended up using a torch and 3 lb sledgehammer. Tbat did it.

@waffalobill Жыл бұрын

You make hard jobs look so easy. I miss older cars so much. Was so simple to work on.

@karlvs2616 Жыл бұрын

Kudos to you, Eric, for showing us how to "Do the Impossible" while maintaining your sense of humor and keeping it family friendly! We should contact Rainman Ray to see if he can adjust the "Tool Gravity" in you area 🙂

@Hawk7886 11 ай бұрын

while welding on deez nuts

@dgordon130 Жыл бұрын

STILL, one of the very best channels. He's the real Dominator. HUGE respect to Eric and family. :-)

@richard1835 Жыл бұрын

That is an amazing technique to remove that stubborn bearing. Great job!

@aarongrabowski3775 Жыл бұрын

I love this guy. He is so damn funny. He is also one hell of a great mechanic too. Thanks Eric O.

@mazzg1966 Жыл бұрын

The man making it easy and sharing his knowledge! Thank you for the entertainment and sharing da nuttiest way to get the job done!

@RingZero Жыл бұрын

Great video Eric! and Thanks. You introduced me to the Astro bolts for front bearings a while ago and have never used any other method. From my experience, applying anti-sieze on the "K"-nuckle/bearing mating surface helps a lot. Did bearing job on my own subaru 8 yrs/90k miles ago and when it was time to do it again last Dec, the bearing assembly came out as if it was installed yesterday. May not be the right application for Anti-seize but worked for me. However, the rust removal and cleaning was done to a point where the bearing would slide in and rotate but not press fit. If it press fits without anti-seize, then rust is inevitable. Just another DIY'er trying to save some money. I have downloaded this video for reference just in case KZfaq/Google goes belly up in a few years 🙂

@tioganh Жыл бұрын

When you have the Knowledge and the ability to share it. Makes you a master craftsman. Showing us your little secrets make it even a great pleasure. Thank You so much.

@shahsmerdis Жыл бұрын

Diyer here ...I used the wheel hub removal tool where you attach remover to the hub then used a sledge hammer on it. Worked out in a few bonks. I pushed the CV axle on the second one and it came out in 2 hits. I'm in NYC where we got salt but this looked a lot worse than mine. Funny to see the exhaust hanger broke off . Subarus seem to have same common failures

@Trunxic Жыл бұрын

Excellent video and strategy, Mr. O! I was a Subaru dealer tech for several years in the rust belt of Chicago... We did many of these, and that was only on dealer-age vehicles. It was rare to see a 10+ yr/old vehicle like the ones you're always working on. Our tool was the hub shocker type, bolted on to two of the lug studs, about a foot long striker plate hanging off the side of the car. You'd hit it with the "Purse" (read 4lb sledge) for upwards of 30 minutes sometimes, until it had finally started to budge, only to jam up unless you were gonna try to reset the tool onto another pair of studs somewhere. Yeah, good luck. Then, you'd go to town with Tha Dawg (air hammer) for another few minutes to punch it out the rest of the way and "selectively texture" the knuckle face as little as possible in the meantime.... Suffice to say, I am a big fan of your approach, Eric. I only wish they allowed us to have a welder for such things at the dealer...

@Friend_of_the_One-Eyed_Ladies Жыл бұрын

I was skimming the comments for references to this method. Now I know it doesn't work on Subies.

@garybabcock7626 Ай бұрын

2014 Subaru Legacy. Home Mechanic. Rear hub removed on drivers' side. Will do Passenger side next weekend. Man was this stuck. Even my rotor wouldn't come off without a 2-pound persuasion tool. Tried 1/2-inch bolt and nuts twice. No go. Stepped up to 5/8 and finally broke loose. Hammer then jack it out. Did that several time and success. Tried heat, slide hammer, your way is Medieval but EFFECTIVE. Seen several videos of different ways to do this but yours was right up my alley. Yes, a welder is needed, and some good air tools, but I have those tools so no problem. My battery powered impact wouldn't touch it either. None of the videos I watched were going to work on my particular situation. 127,000 miles and corroded terribly. Was quoted just at $1000,00 dollars for replacing both rear hubs by a local shop. Not sure if they would have completed it successfully without a much higher bill. I will at about $500.00 with new rotors, hubs, and pads for both sides. Good video, great technique on using the KISS principle. Wish me luck on the passenger side. The "if you can't weld good, weld a lot technique will be used. Good job.

@andrewashmore8000 Жыл бұрын

Great commentary , a skilled dude , sharing his knowledge freely. 👏 that's how it's done.

@huzudra Жыл бұрын

We've done 4 of these in the past year, one was really low miles garage kept and came apart easy by Subaru standards. The other was not and did not. We took both our big bore air hammers and ran them to rotate the bearing in opposite direction from the other to spin it in the knuckle. Pushed it back and forth a few times then lined up one behind the knuckle to push out on the hub and it pooped right out. Other side slide hammered out once we spun it with both air hammers. A good alternate method if your welder sucks. We have 3 498 hammers in the shop, such is Chicago life! A tip on keeping your 498 pointed punches from turning into flat punches, I case hardened mine crudely with the torch and some used oil, it's held it's point for a long time now.

@robertfitzgerald3432 Жыл бұрын

Would think all Master Mechanic's have their own method. Great video.

@Rusty-Metal Жыл бұрын

I do what you described. Works well.

@huzudra Жыл бұрын

@@robertfitzgerald3432 Absolutely

@samgreer8596 Жыл бұрын

You're the man. You're one of the few mechanics calling themselves mechanics.

@feeshermann726 Жыл бұрын

Awesome job. Love the creativity. I just changed the all 4 wheel bearings on my 2015 RAV4. It went surprisingly well!

@AndyTheXTech Жыл бұрын

Genius! I can tell you’ve had your share of exhausting hours, trying to get these out. I’ve been there on jobs. Great method that you’ve come up with. I’d be crazy enough to try this in my driveway. Thanks great job. 👍

@CraigGrant-sh3in Жыл бұрын

If I still had a Subaru I would drive the hour and a half just to have your expertise do it and knowing how much joy you get from it

@MrKletch Жыл бұрын

I'm 5 hours away, and contemplating driving out there for Eric to have him work on my Subaru!

@Paopolomololl Жыл бұрын

He won’t work on your car. Doesn’t take new customers.

@tomtribur458 Жыл бұрын

I’m only 36 hrs straight, I’ll just have to show my local mechanic the video, do it Eric’s way.

@oliver_klozoff Жыл бұрын

@@Paopolomolollhe doesn't take KZfaq customers

@fishon1073 Жыл бұрын

Most impressive wheel bearing hub removal I've seen. Another tool in my forever hate relationship with wheel bearing hub replacements. Thank you!!

@David.. Жыл бұрын

Every time I watch these videos I’m so glad I moved from WNY and now live in Scottsdale, AZ. I remember trying to do brakes one Sunday afternoon on my old Honda and if felt like half of the bolts snapped off as a result of rust. I’ve had cars parked for a month outside and there wasn’t even rust on the rotors.

@mikemjm748 Жыл бұрын

This is the same method grandpa c dub teached us youngsters growing up around the junkyard fixing all our own cars and trucks love it always remember the lessons from your elders! Love ya grandpa thank u !

@simonilett998 Жыл бұрын

Here in Australia, we don't have too many issues with rust, unless the vehicle is a 4×4 driven on the beach, or cars that live near the ocean. All we need to do is show the old bearing a Kangaroo or a Drop Bear and the bearing gets the F outta there all by itself🤣🤣🤣👍🇦🇺

@izzydizzy1115 Жыл бұрын

I generally use the Queen Mary and a chain to remove those Subaru bearings, but thanks to Eric O's ingenuity, I can do it the easy way!🤣 All kidding aside, GREAT JOB Eric and thanks!

@v8consumption Жыл бұрын

Great job man. True mechanic figures out the easiest, most efficient way to do the task

@dannylinc6247 Жыл бұрын

That was great, Eric O. The one thing I learned on the easy ones was check the tires really good when the customer swears it's his wheel bearing. This was a hard one on this video. The rear disc model. You amazed me, and saved me from getting up to my Al in assigators.

@scottrittenhouse3131 Жыл бұрын

Another great job. I wish every mechanic was as professional, educated, and honest as you!!!! You amazingly make everything look easy!!!!

@willsrestorations Жыл бұрын

I've seen this done so many ways and it never works out well but your way was absolutely the best, there was no trauma to the knuckle like I seen with other mechanics doing this.

@ronaldmahoney1283 Жыл бұрын

I enjoy all your amazing videos! You teach step by step approach methods to get the job done! Thank You for taking the time to share information and dialog for do it yourselfers to show your tricks and knowledge and years of experience! There"s always something new to learn in our industry.

@haxorflakes Жыл бұрын

living in the PNW i dont have any rust issues, but this is a good tip to consider if i ever have to re do the rear bearings again. i was able to sucessfully use two of the mounting bolts to hammer out both sides of my rear bearings with ease. the hardest part on one side for me was getting the dang brake rotor off. i did not have access to air or an air hammer when i replaced it in my uncles garage the last time i did a rear bearing on my 09 outback.

@bmartin717 Жыл бұрын

Doing them in my garage at home without an air hammer, welder or torch in the rust belt i used a can of pb blaster, a 10 lbs sledge and about 2 hours of swinging at it for one hub to finally pop loose. Fun times.

@erikkirby1 Жыл бұрын

been doing this trick for a couple of years and never fails!

@oldschooldude8370 11 ай бұрын

You made a nightmare almost a walk in the park. I'm sharing this with my coworkers. These are about the bane of our existence. Always enjoy watching your knowledge.

@fredlendzian7082 Жыл бұрын

I hope you are doing ok with the weather I wish your family all the best and thanks for the awesome content

@LostInThe0zone Жыл бұрын

Clever trick my friend. And some of the best welding I've seen today.

@JohnTaylor-qy2ux Жыл бұрын

Just another demonstration of inventive thinking, and use of cheap materials to achieve a consistent result in adverse conditions. Eric, your thinking process is priceless, and thank you for sharing your experience and skill for all to learn from. Nothing wrong with your welding, it worked!

@davidsutch7929 6 ай бұрын

By far the worst rear wheel bearing that I ever did in my life! Just finished a 2014 Outback from Pennsylvania using your hack and still was hard to remove! Thanks for all your videos you have been a big help on more repairs than you'll ever know.

@reppich1 11 ай бұрын

Man, I watch your videos and it is so relaxing. You know your stuff and nothing shakes your confidence.

@jeffburns5152 Жыл бұрын

I am really glad that I watched this after I changed mine on my Subaru. I was really lucky. I live in West Michigan also. Thanks for your wisdom, Eric.

@sandcrabronco Жыл бұрын

I noticed you placed the bolt opposite the speed sensor, excellent man you think of everything, most of the time. Another excellent labor saving video as usual!

@jasontaylor8497 5 ай бұрын

Refreshing to find someone that gets straight to the point with very good knowledge and proper advice. 👌

@T3hJimmer 3 ай бұрын

I just got done pulling a rear wheel bearing on my 2018 Subaru. I'm in Michigan so it was plenty rusty. I bought some M-12 bolts and bolted the slide hammer to the front of the wheel bearing and smacked it out (after pulling the hub like you do in the video). I don't have a welder, so I had to make do. Took about 10 minutes of running the slide hammer to pull it out. Now I'm watching the video again to figure out how to put together the parking break. Thanks for the great info. You saved me a bundle!

@imme7961 Жыл бұрын

I have just recently come across your videos 2 months ago. It is a joy to watch and thanks for sharing your experiences. Good to see you truly troubleshoot vehicles.

@markB40 Жыл бұрын

Those disposable welding gloves work a treat

@cattlerepairmancattlerepai9414 Жыл бұрын

Having just done one in my driveway a couple months ago, I fully agree with the fun factor of removing rusted-in Subaru bearings. I used a 3 ft pipe wrench and barely made headway. Next time, I'll do it your way!!

@woodturnermark8529 Жыл бұрын

welded triple nut , pure experience genius ! and heat is always our friend ! Awesome job as always.

@eldoradony Жыл бұрын

Interesting approach. I do many of these Subarus. I bought the bar that bolts onto the hub face. I count the blows with the 8 lb sledge hammer and I have never exceeded 20. I was a bit surprised that the bearing came out of the backing plate with so little work. I usually have to resort to heat and hammering. I found out about the bar from a friend who is a Subaru service manager.

@honestbrother9427 Жыл бұрын

Hi, please can you put a link where to buy the bar, I'll like to have it handy in my arsenal incase I run into one, thanks in advance.

@Paopolomololl Жыл бұрын

What bar!?

@honestbrother9427 Жыл бұрын

@Paopolomololl Hi, I was actually asking eldoradony the question since he's the one that mentioned the bar. After thinking about it for a minute I think he was referring to the Hub Buster bar which I already have.

@soulshinobi Жыл бұрын

This is exactly what my 2013 Outback needs, and I am very afraid

@ua7pyro591 Жыл бұрын

junk yeard time

@robertdavis6708 Жыл бұрын

Nothin' to it, just do it!

@xlandros Жыл бұрын

If Eric can do it, YOU can do it!👍

@rickharper1497 Жыл бұрын

@@xlandros If Eric can do it and you live close enough you might better let him do it for you.

@tomjohnson6036 Жыл бұрын

I’ve done it myself. I do have a slide hammer and did pull the bearing apart like he did. I don’t really remember how I got it apart after that but am pretty sure it involved cussing. This would’ve been much easier and I have a welder, just didn’t think of it.

@indianatysick3203 10 ай бұрын

Great video! I've had good success punching out a wheel stud and using the old bolt technique- but I weld the hub to the bearing case so it doesn't pull apart. Very similar

@benzboston 11 ай бұрын

wow you sir are a true mechanic.its crazy watching an experienced mechanic that knows all the tricks.really impressive skills brother

@johndut1 Жыл бұрын

Eric I wished you posted this 3 weeks ago. I spent 5 hours trying to break loose the bearing in my 2009 forester. I used the bolt forcing trick, air hammer and lots of beating.. ended up taking the knuckle out and placing it on boards and hammering it out. Once the knuckle was out it wasn’t too bad to hammer out.. if I would have taken the knuckle out right away it would have saved me 4 hours… thanks for this trick adding it to my bag of tricks for next time

@marinodejesus8024 Жыл бұрын

Damn that was impressive. Never thought of doing that. Last time i did that for my wife’s car i just used a torch and hammer until it cracked loose. Took forever though. This is way cleaner, deff doing this next time 😁

@SoundzRite Жыл бұрын

Central NH where they lay the salt on thick. Right rear on a 2015 Impreza. Watched the videos. Bought a hub buster. Parked the Sub in my dirt driveway and put it on jack stands. Beat the daylights out of the hub buster. Nothing but a disengaged outer hub. Tried a bunch of other "techniques" like chisel on an air hammer and pounding on the fastening bolts. Nothing. Now I was in a pickle since I couldn't drive it to anyone with better tools. So I removed the knuckle altogether and brought it to a shop with a 20 ton press. They were able to press it out. When it finally let go, the inner hub flew across the shop. No one was injured. I think that I will follow your advice when the next one starts howling. I wish you had made this vid 3 months ago. I would have known better. Great vid! You are national treasure.

@johnstefanick5216 8 ай бұрын

I followed this just as shown, it went just like yours, initial pressure broke the front weld, I added more weld and turned the bolt and it started coming out. I would leave pressure on the bolt and smack the bearing housing with a 1 lb hammer and give the bolt a couple more turns. Smack turn smack turn, this was a little scary but it came out pretty straight forward. Big Thank You!

@larrysmith9359 Жыл бұрын

Eric, you are sure a conscientious mechanic. I sure wish I lived close to you so you could do all my vehicle work. Keep it up!😊

@CanadianMerlin Жыл бұрын

DIYer here from Canada (Manitoba so we see alot of snow). Did this job a few years ago in my apartment parking lot with basic hand tools after watching you and a few others do it. A mechanic saw me struggling with it and suggested I use a chisel to wedge it between the hub and the back plate. Got it out after several hours and ended up mangling the back plate a bit but nothing a hammer couldn’t flatten out. Was the first “real” job I ever did on my car other than an oil change so it was definitely a struggle but I felt pretty damn good about myself when I took it on a test drive and stopped hearing that damn bearing roar.

@shedred1967 Жыл бұрын

You the man! Great work, as usual. I've never done one, but as you say....now that you've shown the way. I follow.

@1997dodgecummins Жыл бұрын

I've done this job once on my 2000 outback and used a slide hammer to get the same results you did but the outer hub assembly had came loose on one edge so I was able to get a chisel into the crack. It appears I was very lucky and didn't even who it. Great video. I do live in Washington state so not so much rust.

@CrimeVid Жыл бұрын

Glad to see I’m not the only one that has trouble with anti-rattle springs !

@terrycraft6796 Жыл бұрын

Those snap on needle nose pliers are awesome. Love mine. Those Subaru rear bearings are easier than the older explorers with independent rear suspension. No one changes them till they have baked onto the axles

@koloy999 Жыл бұрын

I noticed your braces or retainer I havent been watching as much recently as I have been the last year or so and I gotta say I think thats the greatest indicator of your success. dental work isnt cheap and when you're paying for, possibly, cosmetic work that really shows how far you have come. congratulations on your success on youtube and in your shop you deserve it!

@scottroberts9892 6 ай бұрын

Love your work, no nonsense & no BS, thanks for sharing your wisdom & knowledge. I really enjoyed it 👍

@leonb2637 Жыл бұрын

You sir are the Subaru wheel bearing removal whisperer. 🤯 When I was young back in the later 1960's-early 1970's I used to hang out at a car repair shop and this awful to do job reminded me of tryng to remove the tapered hub and brake drum assemblies on Chrysler branded cars of the late 1950's-early 1960's as usually involved heavy slide hammers or ones where had to hammer on a threaded thing to get them even loose.

@deanmoore420 Жыл бұрын

Great job I’ve been a mechanic for years I have welders. I have torches enjoy watching your video. You’re awesome.👍

@amanirobinson2861 Жыл бұрын

Semi new to the field. Thank you for giving me the information. I will now be turning away every rear wheel bearing on an Subaru 👍🏽 saved me some headache ❤️

@johnreese3762 Жыл бұрын

The most entertaining mechanic on the Internet! Great video, thanks!

@Dave-ei7kk Жыл бұрын

Yup. The MIG welder is a most useful tool for enabling out-of-the box solutions like this. I’ve used mine for similar tasks on multiple occasions.

@LesReeves Жыл бұрын

I used to use my mig until it got flood water over it threw it uot after that didn't want to run the risk of being welded to it myself LOL.

@Dave-ei7kk Жыл бұрын

@@LesReeves That’s a shame that you had to throw it away. If it was submerged in fresh water there might have been a chance to clean it up, dry it out, and use it again. Of course MIG welders span a wide range of prices. There are some ridiculously cheap units sold at the big box stores and they might not be worthwhile trying to repair. But the commercial units like I have in my shop are probably worth taking in for service or even drying it out yourself if you or someone you know is comfortable with electronics.

@carmo9693 Жыл бұрын

Eric nice repair if I may suggest for the next one is "make a tool" that can be reused and only weld the facing nut of the back plate to the bearing hub. Make a collar welded to that nut you use which looked like grade 8, then use a bolt that goes thru collar nut tool to the flange thread. You got a great way and to have a pre made tool will make every job easier from that point. Savings is the point but you have the idea just tweak it to make it better. I just loved making tools working for MB repair and my tools helped the whole shop. I left some of them when I retired, very happy guys.

@moparsrt1905 Жыл бұрын

Mr. Eric, love your videos and you're an amazing mechanic! I've learned lots from you. Hopefully I can return the favour. I'm in Canada so maybe geographical we deal with different challenges but I've been working on subaru for 15 years now and done dozens of these bearings. I've tried every trick too and I've got it down to a science now!! Here's what you do .... get your big air hammer with a long chisel bit and you take it from the back sides of the backing plate and wedge it between the hub and the backing plate. If you get it in just the right spot you can wedge the whole backing plate and bearing away from the hub if you work it in like a wedge slowly from either side. I've done it many times now. Never broken an ABS sensor never taken the ebrake shoes off. The backing plate will separate from the hub attached to the cable still and then you just have to use a small sledge and beat the bearing out of the backing plate from the back side. Out of all the methods I've ever tried this is the only way I have success every time. Sometimes you squish the metal on the hub a little bit but I just smooth it out after with a roloc disc on my die grinder!! Give it a shot next time and keep up the videos I could watch you work all day! Love the honest humble approach 👌