Replacement of rear wheel bearing Skoda Yeti 1.8 4x4: Repair instructions

SUV owners Skoda Yeti With all-wheel drive and the 1.8 TSI engine, you often encounter a characteristic hum emanating from the rear of the car. This sound usually indicates wear poster. Ignoring the problem can lead to wheel jamming or destruction of the hub while driving, which is especially dangerous off-road, where this vehicle is often used.

The replacement process on all-wheel drive versions differs from front-wheel drive versions due to the presence of a rear axle drive and a specific design rear suspension. You will have to deal with the need to disconnect the constant velocity joint (CV joint) and carefully work with the brake mechanism. On the Skoda Yeti 4x4, the rear hub is a non-separable assembly with a bearing, so only the entire assembly is changed.

Fault diagnosis and parts selection

Before proceeding with dismantling, you need to make sure that the problem is in the bearing. The hum is often confused with the sound of worn tires or malfunctions. rear axle gearbox. A simple way to check the hub is to rock the wheel in a vertical plane with the car hanging. If there is play and a knock is heard, the part requires replacement.

When selecting a spare part, it is critical to consider the type of drive. For the 4x4 version there are differences in the design of the hub and the ABS sensor mounting. You can't go wrong here, because wheel angle sensor may not fit the connector or cable length. It is recommended to use original spare parts Skoda or high-quality analogues from manufacturers like SKF, FAG or SNR.

• ✅ Check that there is a magnetic ring on the hub for the ABS sensor to work.
• ✅ Make sure the new bearing is shaped correctly for the brake disc.
• ✅ Compare the part number on the old assembly with the part number on the new one.

You shouldn't skimp on this unit. Cheap bearings can fail after just a couple of thousand kilometers, and replacing them again will require a complete disassembly of the suspension again. This will result in double labor and parts costs.

⚠️ Attention: When purchasing, be sure to check with the seller whether the part is suitable for the all-wheel drive version Yeti with 1.8 engine. Front and rear drive have different mounting design features.

Necessary tools and preparation

Repair hub unit requires specialized tools. A regular set of wrenches will not be enough, since the hub nuts often become sour and have a high tightening torque. You will need a powerful wrench, an extension, and preferably a pneumatic impact wrench to speed up the process.

To remove the old bearing and press in a new one you will need pressing out or a set of pullers. If you do not have a hydraulic press in your garage, it is better to contact a service center or rent a tool. An attempt to knock out the bearing with a hammer can lead to deformation of the steering knuckle, which will make it unsuitable for further use.

• 🔧 Set of sockets from 8 to 32 mm, including a 17 mm socket for the caliper.
• 🔧 Retaining ring remover and ball joint remover.
• 🔧 Torque wrench for precise tightening of hub bolts and nuts.

Also prepare a penetrating lubricant (such as WD-40 or equivalent), copper grease for contact surfaces and a rag. Before starting work, the car must be securely supported on stands, and not just on a jack.

Removing the brake mechanism and caliper

We begin disassembly by removing the wheel. After this you will need to remove the brake caliper. Unscrew the two caliper guide bolts located on the rear side. Be careful not to damage the brake hose or allow it to sag.

Remove the caliper itself and secure it to the hanger with a wire or hook so that it does not hang on the hose. Now you can remove the brake disc. If it gets stuck, gently tap the inside of the disc with a rubber mallet, being careful not to damage the work surface.

The next step is to disconnect the ABS sensor. This is done carefully so as not to break the wire. Often the connector is located in a hard-to-reach place near the hub. Disconnect it and move the wire to the side so that it does not interfere with further work.

⚠️ Caution: It is strictly forbidden to leave the brake caliper hanging from the flexible brake hose, as this may damage the inner liner and cause brake fluid to leak.

Removing rear suspension elements

At this stage, you need to loosen the suspension arms. You will need to unscrew the bolt securing the lower ball joint to the steering knuckle. To do this, you often need a special puller that will press the ball pin out of the hole. Do not try to knock out the pin with a hammer, as this may damage the threads or the ball joint itself.

Then you need to unscrew the bolts securing the shock absorber strut to the steering knuckle. Usually there are two of them, located below. After unscrewing them, the fist will become movable.

• 🔩 Use an impact driver to remove the strut bolts if they are stuck.
• 🔩 Disconnect the drive shaft from the hub, pulling it out carefully so as not to damage the seal.
• 🔩 Completely release the steering knuckle from all fasteners.

You can now remove the hub and bearing assembly. This requires some effort, since the inner ring of the bearing often sticks to the drive shaft. Use a puller to pull out the hub without applying excessive force to the bearing itself.

How to press out an old hub? To do this, you can use a double-arm puller or a screw press. Place the puller against the back of the hub and push the shaft until the hub comes out of the bearing.-->

Replacing the hub bearing

After removing the hub from the steering knuckle, you need to press out the old bearing. To do this, the fist is clamped in a vice or press. Try to apply pressure on the outer race of the bearing so as not to damage the inner race, which may remain inside.

Clean the seat in the steering knuckle from rust and dirt. Make sure the surface is smooth and free of burrs. Before installing a new bearing, apply a thin layer of grease to the seat. This will make installation easier and provide better heat transfer.

The new bearing is pressed into the steering knuckle. You need to press strictly on the outer ring. If you push on the inner ring, you will destroy the rollers inside the bearing and it will fail very quickly. Use a mandrel of the appropriate diameter.

Parameter	Meaning	Note
Hub diameter	60 mm	Check the catalog
Sensor mount	On the one hand	Important for 4x4
Nut tightening torque	250 Nm	A new bolt is required
Strut bolt torque	120 Nm	Use thread locker

After pressing the bearing into the fist, install the retaining ring. It should fit snugly in the groove. Then carefully press the hub into the new bearing. You need to apply pressure on the inner ring of the hub so as not to damage the bearing cage.