Hi all,

My W reg Felicia has done 85k miles. I've noticed a droning noise lately from the rear of the car which continues when I knock it out of gear. I'm thinking this might be a rear bearing on the way out. Do they go at that sort of miles? If so, does anyone know the spec so that I can get bearings from a manufacturer rather than OE expensive VAG stuff?

Thanks

Michael

They go at all sorts of miles, depends on use/water/abuse etc. They will drone as you say, so sounds about right.

Seriously, don't worry about the cost. My local motor factor stocks them (they are the same as most FWD VWs since mid 70s until they lost the plot), and they are about £8 per side for the kit including the seal, grease and even a new split pin. Not worth messing about for that sort of money. No idea how much they'd be from Skoda, but I wouldn't bother getting them from a bearing factor, the inner seal will die on removal anyway.

When you do them, be sure you torque/adjust them properly, and then re-check them after a week or so, then they'll be fine; they are quite difficult to get 100% straight off, possibly because of slightly mis-seated bearings etc. I'm sure Jim has a better tip for adjustment, but I've always found that checking (and re-adjusting) has helped as about half of the ones I've done have been a bit slack after being driven on for a bit.

Thanks for this advice. In fact I managed to get bearings for both sides for £11.98 from Jorily - much cheaper than expected!

All the best

Michael

good call on that darren, always re-adjust it after it's been driven, often they don't settle in fully when first fitted..

most of the rear wheel bearing kits will come with the required inner seal.. also it's a good idea to replace your drums and shoes at the same time if they are on near to needing replacement whilst you've got it all apart so to speak, the rear wheel bearing is one of a handful of components that is the same as a polo oddly enough