Car rear suspension Skoda Fabia the second generation, built on the PQ24 platform, has its own specifics in the design of the chassis. Unlike the front wheels, which use dismountable hub units, the rear is equipped with a solid beam with integrated drum-type bearings. This creates certain difficulties during diagnosis and repair, since wheel play may not be felt until the element is completely destroyed.
Symptoms of malfunction are often disguised as problems with the brake system or springs. The appearance of a hum that changes when turning, or a characteristic knock when driving over bumps are direct signals for action. Ignoring these signs can lead to wheel jamming while driving or destruction of the hub, which will entail costly repairs to the suspension beam.
The replacement procedure requires not only the availability of high-quality tools, but also an understanding of the intricacies of working with aluminum beam elements and steel hubs. Incorrect tightening or violation of pressing technology can reduce the service life of the new part to a minimum. Let's take a closer look at how to do this work yourself, without resorting to the services of specialized service centers.
Diagnosis of faults and selection of components
Before you go to the store for spare parts, you need to be sure of the cause of the noise. Often owners Skoda Fabia They change the wheel bearings, although the problem lies in worn shock absorbers or broken beam silent blocks. When diagnosing, you need to rock the rear wheel with your hands, holding the top and bottom. If play is felt, which is accompanied by a metallic grinding sound during rotation, the culprit has been found.
The choice of spare parts plays a decisive role in the durability of the repair. Available on the market as original parts Skoda, and high-quality analogues from manufacturers like SKF, FAG or NTN-SNR.
- ๐ Check for grease on the inner race of the old bearing when dismantling.
- ๐ง Avoid purchasing components without original packaging and labeling.
- ๐ฆ Make sure a new hub lock nut is included.
โ ๏ธ Note: On vehicles with ABS, the wheel speed sensor is often built into the wheel bearing or mounted nearby. When purchasing, be sure to check the compatibility of the part with the ABS system, otherwise an error will appear on the dashboard.
There are two main types of hubs Skoda Fabia 2: with 4-bolt and 5-bolt wheel fastening, depending on the year of manufacture and configuration. It is also important to differentiate between drum and disc brake versions as hub sizes may vary slightly. Before ordering, check the article number with the catalog using the VIN code of your car.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
To do the job well, you will need an impressive set of tools. A regular jack and a set of heads will not be enough, since the hub nut is tightened with a huge torque, and the bearing itself sits very tightly in the beam. The lack of special tools can lead to damage to the threads or deformation of parts during dismantling.
The main tool for removing the hub nut is a torque wrench with a 30 or 32 mm head (depending on the modification) and a powerful ratchet or wrench. To press the bearing out of the hub and press it into the beam, you will need special mandrels or a puller. In a garage, a set of suspension pullers is often used, but you can get by with a powerful hydraulic press if you have experience.
- ๐ Torque wrench (range up to 200 Nm).
- ๐จ A set of mounting blades and a hammer (preferably with a copper tip).
- ๐งฐ Wheel bearing puller or hydraulic press.
The work area must be level and clean to avoid dirt getting into the unit during assembly. If you are working in the winter, warming up the beam before removing the nut can make the process much easier, as the metal expands and the nut is easier to unscrew. Wear gloves as handling brake dust and old oil requires hand protection.
- Torque wrench and puller
- Head set only
- There is a hydraulic press
- I'm planning to contact the service
Removing the brake drum and hub
The first stage of work is to remove the brake drum. On many copies Skoda Fabia the drum sticks to the hub due to corrosion and plaque. To remove it, a few blows with a hammer through a wooden spacer on the inside of the drum or using a puller are often sufficient. If the drum cannot be removed, you can try to slightly loosen the guide bolts or fill the sticking point with penetrating lubricant.
After removing the drum, access to the brake pads and parking brake mechanism is available. Before removing the hub, you must remove the brake caliper and disc (if you have disc brakes) or carefully move the brake pads to the side (for drum brakes). It is important not to damage the brake hoses and to prevent oil from coming into contact with the braking surfaces.
โ ๏ธ Attention: When dismantling the brake mechanism, be sure to mark the location of the parts so that during reassembly you do not confuse the top and bottom of the pads or springs.
The next step is to unscrew the hub nut. It is twisted with great effort. To prevent the nut from turning, it is necessary to lock the wheel or use the brake (if the mechanism allows you to fix the shaft). After unscrewing the nut, you can remove the hub along with the brake disc (in the case of a disc version) or simply remove the hub from the drum.
- ๐ฉ Use an impact driver to remove the drum guide bolts.
- ๐ซ Do not use excessive force when removing the drum to avoid cracking the aluminum parts.
- ๐งผ Clean the seat from rust before installing a new part.
โ๏ธ Preparing to remove the hub
Pressing out the old and installing a new bearing
The most difficult stage is pressing the old bearing out of the hub and pressing in the new one. The old bearing is usually pressed out from the inside of the hub, resting on the outer race. If you try to put pressure on the inner race, you can damage the separator or (rollers) of the new or old assembly. Use a mandrel that rests directly on the outer ring.
After removing the hub from the beam, it is necessary to press the bearing out of the beam itself. Here it is also important not to damage the mounting hole in the aluminum beam. If the hole is deformed, the new bearing will not fit tightly, which will lead to rapid failure. Clean the hole of old grease and rust, but do not use abrasives that may strip the metal.
Pressing in a new bearing must be done strictly along the axes, without distortions. It's best to use a hydraulic press, but you can do it by hand using a long bolt and nut with wide washers. You only need to press on the outer ring of the bearing, as it transfers the load to the beam body. The inner ring should not experience any force when pressed in unless you use a mandrel that matches its diameter.
Why can't you hit a bearing with a hammer?
Hammer blows can disrupt the geometry of the cage and rollers, which will lead to noise and rapid destruction of the unit after just a couple of thousand kilometers.
โ ๏ธ Attention: Make sure that the new bearing has a retaining ring (tendril), which must fit into a special groove in the beam. Without this, the fixation will be unreliable.
After installing the bearing into the beam, it is necessary to press the hub into the bearing. Here, on the contrary, the force must be applied to the inner race of the bearing so as not to damage the cage. Use a mandrel that rests on the inner ring. The movement should be smooth and uniform.
Pressing the bearing into the beam requires support on the outer ring, and installing the hub into the bearing requires support on the inner ring. This is a critical rule for preserving the node resource.
Assembling the unit and adjusting the brakes
After the new bearing is installed in the beam and the hub is pressed into it, you can begin assembling the brake mechanism. Install the brake pads, springs and handbrake mechanism. Check that the handbrake cable moves freely and does not touch any rotating parts. When assembling drum brakes, it is important to install the spacer bar and release arms correctly.
Place the brake drum onto the hub and secure it with the guide bolts. Install the wheel and lower the car to the ground. Now you need to tighten the hub nut. This is the most critical moment, since incorrect tightening torque can lead to play or jamming. Use a torque wrench and tighten the nut to the torque specified by the manufacturer (usually around 180-200 Nm).
- ๐ง Use a new hub bolt or nut, as old ones often become deformed.
- ๐ Check the tightening torque using a torque wrench.
- ๐ After tightening, check the free movement of the wheel (it should rotate without jamming).
Drum brakes may require an initial adjustment of the shoe-to-drum clearance. This is usually done through the adjustment mechanism on the rear axle or by pressing the brake pedal repeatedly after installing the wheel. Make sure the handbrake operates effectively and has some free play.
Before final tightening of the hub nut, check that the bearing retaining ring is completely seated in the groove of the beam to prevent the unit from falling out during movement.
Cost of work and typical mistakes when replacing
The cost of replacing the rear wheel bearing is Skoda Fabia 2 consist of the cost of spare parts and labor. The bearing itself costs from 1,500 to 4,000 rubles, depending on the brand. If you do the work yourself, you save on labor costs, which in services can range from 2,000 to 5,000 rubles per axle. However, it is worth considering the cost of the required tool if you do not plan to use it in the future.
One of the most common mistakes is ignoring the condition of the brake mechanisms. When replacing a bearing, it is often discovered that the brake pads are worn out or the cylinders are seized. Take the time to check all brake system components. Another common problem is incorrect installation of the retaining ring, which causes the bearing to move under load.
| element | Average cost (RUB) | Difficulty of replacement |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel bearing (analog) | 1500 - 2500 | High |
| Wheel bearing (original) | 3000 - 5000 | High |
| Work in the service station (for the axle) | 2000 - 4000 | Average |
| Tool kit (puller) | 1500 - 3000 | One-time waste |
It is also important to remember that after replacing a bearing, you need to check the wheel alignment if the suspension geometry has been affected. Although the beam Skoda Fabia is continuous and does not require camber adjustment; incorrect installation may affect wheel alignment. This is especially true if during dismantling the elements attaching the beam to the body were affected.
Regularly checking the condition of the rear bearings and timely replacement saves money on suspension beam repairs and prevents dangerous situations on the road.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do the bearings need to be replaced on both sides at once?
It is advisable to replace bearings in pairs, since wear on both sides usually occurs approximately equally. If you only replace one, the second one may fail soon after the repair and you will have to take the suspension apart again.
Can I use the old hub bolt when replacing?
No, the hub bolt or nut is a one-time use item. When dismantled, they are often deformed, and repeated use can lead to them unscrewing while moving, which is extremely dangerous.
How can you tell if a bearing has started to fail?
The main symptom is a hum or howl, which increases with speed and can change when turning. Vibration may also appear on the steering wheel or body.
Is it possible to drive with a faulty rear bearing?
Short term - yes, but it's risky. If the bearing is completely destroyed, the hub may jam, leading to loss of control or an accident. It is recommended to correct the problem as soon as possible.
Do I need to change the seal when replacing a bearing?
Yes, it is recommended to change the seal every time you replace a bearing, since it is a consumable item. An old oil seal may not provide a tight seal, which will lead to lubricant leakage and dirt getting inside the assembly.