Happy New Year everyone! I think the n/s front wheel bearing on the Favorit is starting to complain. From what I can see in the Haynes, it looks like even with the circlip removed getting the old bearing out will be a bugger. Is it best just to take the hub to a garage with a decent press, or is there a tool(s) that I get get to sort it myself? It's only just started grumbling, how long does one expect it to last?

Russ.

My other thought was to get a secondhand hub, fit a new bearing and then fit that to the car. This way it can be done with minimal 'off the road' time. Thoughts?

That will minimise the off-the-road time. I don't think you'll be able to do it without a press though. It is -possible- with various other methods, but a press will make it easy, a 10 minute job.

Update - I've replaced the N/S front bearing, it wasn't the nicest of jobs I've ever done. Still, albeit far reduced, there is bearing noise when going straight ahead and on right hand bends. Nothing on left handers at all. I'm almost certain the O/S front bearing has gone, but noise unloaded on a right hand bend? Just wondered what folk think before I tackle the other side.

Are you 100% it's the fronts?

Are you 100% it's the fronts?

I'm convinced its coming from the drivers side front corner. Do you think it's worth stripping the n/s rear to have a look at it first? Looks like a much easier job?

jack the rear up and give it a spin by hand and you will hear ot if its the rear one.

how did you change the front bearing?

As Jim says, jack it up and have a listen. I've had several people who were convinced their fronts had gone and it was the rear. And it is possible to bugger a front bearing if you're not careful when fitting it!

Cheers for the advice. I've jack up the rear and both spin freely with no noise or play. I fitted the new front bearing with a well fitting press, so it should be fine, I think!