Rear wheel hubs and wheel bearings (Mazda Capella GD)

15.1.1. Removing the brake drum and wheel hub

To check the rear wheel bearing for wear or damage, you need to place the rear of the car on jack stands, grab the wheel with your hands on both sides and move it back and forth, similar to how it was indicated on figure 184 for the front wheel. Excessive clearance indicates bearing damage. For another check, you need to quickly turn the wheel several times and pay attention to suspicious noises.

Too much clearance on the first check could indicate a poorly installed wheel bearing. In this case, the bearing is installed as described in Chapter 15.1.3. Otherwise, the wheel bearing must be replaced as described below, paying attention to the difference between drum and disc brakes:

• Loosen the wheel nuts.
• Carefully separate the wheel cap from the hub using a screwdriver or small chisel. To do this, you need to turn the drum or brake disc to knock out the cap evenly around the circumference. Wipe off excess grease from the wheel nuts.
• Remove the notch from the spike nut and loosen the nut.
• Place the rear of the car on jack stands and remove the wheel.
• Completely unscrew the hub nuts.
• With the disc brake installed, remove the wheel brake caliper and secure it to the rear wheel suspension with a piece of wire.
• Remove the brake drum or disc with the hub from the drive shaft as shown in the figure 199. If the brake drum must sit very rigidly, the distance between the drum and the brake friction linings can be increased as described in Chapter "Brakes".

15.1.2. Removing the wheel bearing

If it is definitely required, the wheel bearing should only be replaced:

• Using a punched screwdriver, press out the oil seal ring from the back of the brake drum or hub. If an anti-lock braking system is installed, a gear wheel is found on the inside. It serves as a sensor for wheel speed. This gear needs to be removed using a puller.
• Using inward facing snap ring pliers, remove the ring from the inside of the brake drum or disc.
• Place the brake drum or disc with the hub on a work bench and knock out the bearing.
• Clean all parts thoroughly. Wash the bearing with gasoline and dry it with compressed air without rotating it. Replace the bearing if it shows signs of wear, rust or discoloration. If the carrier shaft is worn in, this means that the inner ring has been rotating with it. In this case, the carrier shaft must be replaced. Light scratches can be removed by using a lubricating gel by dipping the shaft in oil.

15.1.3. Bearing installation and adjustment

When assembling the wheel hub, you need to do the following:

• Place the brake drum or disc on the workbench and press the wheel bearing in with the appropriate mandrel. With the ABS installed, press the ring gear through the belt on the inside of the brake drum.
• Insert the snap ring into the groove of the drum or disc.
• Lubricate the new sealing ring on the chamfers with grease and use a mandrel to drive the ring into the rear side of the brake drum or disc until the surface of the ring is sheared off. Wipe off all squeezed out grease thoroughly.
• Check the brake friction linings for cleanliness and place the brake drum on the carrier shaft and pads, or insert the brake disc with the hub.
• Screw in the new hub nut and tighten to a torque of 98-177 Nm.
• A pointer indicator, similar to the one shown in figure 189 for the rear wheel hub, install it on the rear wheel hub and move the brake drum or disc back and forth. The dial indicator should show no more than 0.20 mm. Then, make a notch on the nut.
• Partially fill the wheel cap with grease and press it onto the brake drum.
• All further work should be carried out in reverse order. Adjust the brake pads if they have been replaced.