1988 bmw 325ci rear hub removal --help

[markbimmer]

Hello, I have a 1988 BMW convertible. I'm trying to remove the rear hub to replace the bearings. I have removed the brakes, brake disc, E-brake, the hub nut, and i removed the aisle where it is connected to the Diff. Am I missing something? I have tried the different methods found on youtube. I tried using a bearing separator which allows using two lug nuts to tighten against it which should cause the hub to come off. I've tried using a large center punch to drive the aisle out of the hub. Nothing has worked. I don't even feel it has budged even a little. it almost feels like I'm missing a bolt or nut somewhere that is holding it back.. Appreciate any thoughts.

[dworthy]

Once the larger 32mm, I think is the size, out you will need to drive the half shaft out. This can be accomplished by using a center punch and a 2lbs hammer, an air chisel, or just plain ole brute force of a sledge hammer if you don't plan on keeping either the hub or axle.

Yes you can try a harmonic balance puller, for this will push out the half shaft too, what can help is tapping a bit on the hub as you tighten down the center bolt.

Just remember to clean both splines and apply plenty of lube to get it back in.

[tomstin]

Did you remove the locking ring, item 2 here?

https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/sho...diagId=33_0437

[dworthy]

Did you remove the locking ring, item 2 here?

https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/sho...diagId=33_0437

That will be once the hub is out, the lad is still trying to get the half shaft removed.

[Mikealwa]

Are the half shafts splined into the bearing? I ask, because on my Nissan Altima it took 3 days, map gass penetrant spray and an 8 lbs sledge hammer before I saw movement. Some people have luck putting the axle nut back on and over tightening it the. Loosening it to maybe pull the axle a bit and brake the rusty bond. Again, not sure if this is your issue.

- - - Updated - - -

Fyi, not that you will try this, but before I hit the axle this way I put the nut back on a few threads, then put a cheap socket on the nut and beat that with the sledge, ended up going full force, but it was that or toe it into a shop and I accepted the risks. It worked very slowly.

[markbimmer]

Thanks--i guess i need to use a little more elbow grease. I don't want to damage the hub or axle. I will keep trying---thanks for your help. I just don't understand what would be holding it back--maybe 34 years of resistance. Might ck on a harmonic balance puller.

[markbimmer]

Update--got the 1/2 shaft out. Now to get the hub off

[clarkitect]

Update--got the 1/2 shaft out. Now to get the hub off

I used the lug bolts to get the hub out. Just screw the bolts into opposite holes in the hub, and slid some 1/4" steel plate between the end of the bolts and trailing arm bearing cup so that the bolts would push the hub out as they are tightened. Worked like a champ.

Then you remove the retaining ring and pull out the bearings. If you have a bearing puller, that's awesome, but some of us have to make do with 2" PVC pipe, threaded rod, washers, and a large socket.

[markbimmer]

thanks for the help an pic--i got the bearing off finally. just need to put everything back together

[dworthy]

Glad to hear! As these cars get older, some parts will be very difficult to remove, so hate to say it, but get used to it.

[markbimmer]

I finally got everything back together on the hub and bearings. thanks for the help