Many owners Skoda Superb the second generation is faced with an unpleasant hum, which intensifies when cornering and accelerating. This sound often signals a rear wheel bearing failure, which requires immediate attention. Ignoring the problem can result in wheel seizure or brake damage, which poses a serious safety hazard on the road.
Timely diagnosis and replacement of the unit allows you to avoid costly suspension repairs in the future. The procedure requires a special puller and certain skills in working with automotive equipment. Owners Superb It is worth considering the design features of the rear beam and brake system when planning work.
Symptoms of malfunction and diagnostics of the unit
The first sign of wear is a characteristic hum, reminiscent of the sound of a flying airplane or the buzz of a swarm of bees. The sound gets louder as speed increases and changes in pitch as you turn the steering wheel. If you hear a noise when driving straight, try changing lanes: when turning left, the load shifts to the right side, and if the noise subsides, the problem is in the left bearing, and vice versa.
In some cases, vibration appears in the steering wheel or rear of the body, especially at high speeds. This is due to the fact that the destroyed bearing elements begin to play, disrupting the rotation geometry of the wheel. It's important to distinguish this noise from tire hum or worn shock absorbers so you don't waste money.
There is a simple test method: lift the car on a lift or jack and swing the wheel in the vertical and horizontal planes. Play in the hub or creaking when turning the wheel by hand indicate critical wear.
- ๐ The appearance of a hum that changes when turning
- ๐ Vibration of the body or steering wheel at speeds above 80 km/h
- ๐ Visual wheel play when shaking with hands
Required tools and supplies
To perform the work efficiently, you will need a set of specialized tools, since a standard wrench will not be enough. The key element is a puller for pressing out the old bearing and pressing in the new one. You will also need a powerful wrench, a torque wrench and a set of sockets.
Pay special attention to preparing the brake system. On Skoda Superb Brake calipers are often used and require careful handling. Don't forget about penetrating lubricant like WD-40 to treat soured caliper mounting bolts and guides.
You will also need new brake pads if the old ones are worn out, and brake fluid to bleed the system after removing the caliper. Do not skimp on the quality of a new bearing by choosing proven brands.
- ๐ง Wheel bearing puller (press or hydraulic puller)
- ๐ Torque wrench for tightening bolts with torque
- ๐ข๏ธ Penetrating Lubricant and Brake Cleaner
Preparing the vehicle and removing the brake caliper
Start by securing the vehicle on a level surface and applying the handbrake. Remove the wheel and unscrew the brake caliper mounting bolts. On the rear wheels Superb Often the handbrake mechanism is located inside the hub, so you first need to remove the caliper without disconnecting the brake hose and hang it on a wire.
Then remove the brake disc. If it is stuck to the hub, use a hammer to lightly hit the inside of the disc or special pullers. Clean the seat of rust and dirt so that the new bearing fits straight.
Make sure you do not damage the brake hose and ABS wire. The wheel sensor may be built into the bearing or installed separately in the hub, so handle it with extreme care.
โ ๏ธ Caution: Never disconnect the brake hose from the caliper unless absolutely necessary, as this will result in loss of brake fluid and the need to bleed the entire system.
โ๏ธ Preparing to remove the caliper
After removing the disc you will see the hub assembly. Now you need to unscrew the hub nut. It has a very large diameter and is tightened with enormous force. To unscrew it you will need a long wrench and possibly an impact wrench.
If the nut does not budge, use a penetrating lubricant and give it time to work. Be careful not to damage the threads.
- Impact wrench
- Long knob and balloon
- Hydraulic puller
- I don't know how to take it off
Pressing out the old and installing a new bearing
This is the most critical stage of work. The old bearing must be pressed out of the steering knuckle or beam. This must be done carefully so as not to damage the seat. Use a mandrel that rests only on the inner race of the old bearing, if it is still intact, or on the outer race, if the inner one is damaged.
After removing the old assembly, carefully inspect the seat. Any scratch or corrosion can lead to rapid failure of the new bearing. Clean the surface with fine sandpaper and degrease.
The new bearing is pressed into the beam or fist. Pressure must be applied strictly to the outer ring. Pressure on the inner ring or through the ABS sensor cage is unacceptable, as this will destroy the separator and ball elements.
- ๐ซ Do not hit the bearing directly with a hammer.
- โ Use a special mandrel for pressing
- โ๏ธ Control the perpendicularity of the entrance to the seat
What to do if the bearing does not work?
If the new bearing does not fit into the seat, do not use excessive force. Most likely, the seat has a defect or rust remains on it. Disassemble the structure, check the dimensions and repeat the cleaning. Sometimes slightly heating the outer ring of the bearing (no more than 80 degrees) or cooling the seat helps, but this requires experience.
After installing the new bearing, you need to install the hub inside the bearing. For this purpose, a mandrel resting on the inner ring of the bearing is used. The hub should go all the way in.
Before installing the hub, apply a thin layer of high temperature grease to the seat inside the bearing to prevent corrosion and make future replacement easier.
The main mistake when pressing is applying force to the inner ring or through the ABS sensor, which is guaranteed to destroy the new bearing.
Assembling the unit and setting up the brake system
Assembly occurs in reverse order. Install the brake disc and secure it with the screw. Screw the caliper, first checking the condition of the guide pins. They should move freely, without jamming, and be lubricated with special silicone grease.
Tighten the hub nut to the recommended torque. For Skoda Superb this moment is usually around 250-300 Nm, but always check the technical documentation. After tightening the nut, you need to flare its edge or install a new locking pin, if the design provides for this.
If your car has an ABS sensor, check its functionality. Often the sensors are changed along with the bearing, since they are integrated into the unit. Connect a diagnostic scanner and check for errors in the ABS system.
| element | Tightening torque (Nm) | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Hub nut | 250-300 | Requires a torque wrench |
| Caliper bolts | 30-40 | Use thread locker |
| Disc bolts | 10-15 | For disc fixation only |
| Wheel bolts | 120 | Tighten crosswise |
Don't forget to bleed the brake system if you have disconnected hoses or replaced the caliper. Pump the brake pedal until it is firm before driving.
โ ๏ธ Attention: Incorrect tightening of the hub nut can lead to it unscrewing while driving, which will cause the wheel to come off!
After replacing the bearing, be sure to perform a wheel alignment, since dismantling the suspension elements could change the wheel alignment angles.
Typical mistakes and tips for choosing spare parts
One of the most common mistakes is trying to save on bearing quality. Cheap analogues often have low manufacturing accuracy and quickly fail. Choose trusted manufacturers such as SKF, FAG, Kooyo or original spare parts Skoda.
Don't forget to check the condition of the boot and oil seal. If the seal is damaged, lubricant will leak out and dirt will get in, which will shorten the life of the unit. Replace the seal every time you replace the bearing.
When reassembling, do not use old bolts, especially if they show signs of corrosion or stretching. Fasteners must be new and comply with the strength class.
- ๐ท๏ธ Buy only original or certified analogues
- ๐งน Clean all surfaces before assembly
- ๐ง Use new fasteners for critical components
Remember that replacing the rear wheel bearing on a Skoda Superb 2 requires the use of a specialized puller, without which it is impossible to guarantee the quality of installation of the unit. Attempts to do the job with improvised means often lead to damage to parts and repeated repairs.
FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions
Is it possible to replace only one bearing?
Technically it is possible, but if the car has a high mileage, the second bearing is also at the stage of wear. It is recommended to change both at once to avoid a repeat visit to the service in a month.
Is it necessary to do a wheel alignment after replacement?
Yes, after dismantling the rear suspension elements, the wheel geometry may change. Wheel alignment will ensure uniform tire wear and stable vehicle behavior on the road.
How to determine which bearing is knocking?
The most accurate method is to check on a lift with a stethoscope or listen for a hum when turning. When turning left, the load on the right wheel increases, and if the noise increases, the problem is in the right bearing.
How long does it take to replace one bearing?
If you have the right tools and experience, replacing one bearing takes 1 to 2 hours. For beginners without special tools, the process can take the whole day.
What to do if the hub nut does not unscrew?
Use a long wrench, penetrating lubricant and, as a last resort, an impact wrench. Heating the nut may also help, but be careful with the ABS sensor and brake fluid.