I got a wheel bearing howling on the back so going to replace both complete hubs as a precaution and take the guess work out of it.

Question.. what size 3 legged puller do I need to draw the whole hub off the stub axle??

The diameter of the outer wheel flange is around 4.5 inches across, with the rear of hub around 3 inches across.

 

I did think of using just a puller with a sliding hammer fixed to the wheel flange, but fear I would leave the inner wheel bearing still stuck on the stub axle.

 

My luck dictates the hub will be well and truly stuck on the stub axle.. so need overkill in place.

 

Haynes book instruction they quote (use a suitable puller if necessary) and quote (Skoda technicians use a special drift to drive the inner race onto the hub).

 

Thanks for any/all your experience of question above..

im not sure about they type of bearing but if you are left with the outer race stuck in the hole you can weld around the inside of the outer race  leave it to cool and it will contract making removal easier

"My luck dictates the hub will be well and truly stuck on the stub axle.. so need overkill in place."

Hi giandougl

As it happens I've just done the rear bearings on my 2004 vRS. I like you had been preparing for the worst but both hubs just slid off the stub axles 'intact' with no need for any puller!!

Only 'issue' I had was one of the 8mm recessed hex bolts securing the caliper carrier rounded off when trying to remove it.

Fitting the new hubs was equally straightforward - just lubricate the stub axle and take a little care when lining the hub up before pushing it on. Mine just slid on all the way up to the shoulder of the stub.

Fingers crossed that things go just as smoothly for you when you come to do yours.

Regards

Alan

P.S. Should you need to 'persuade' the hub to remove it - be aware of the location of the ABS sensor so as not to damage it!!

1st off no need to remove the caliper carrier, the disk will come off with just the caliper removed (2 x13mm on the sliders) then usually the hub will pull off by hand once the hub nut is removed, if it doesn't then it is usually the inner race stuck on, bolt the wheel on with a couple of bolts and use it for extra leverage to work the hub off..

Hi feliciano16v

Where we're you when I needed you the other day? Ha ha!

You're quite right. I should have remembered that when I last replaced my rear discs I did so without removing the carriers!!

That would explain why they were so +*#.ing tight!!

I can only think that I had read how to prepare for replacing FRONT wheel bearings. Oh well!!

Just makes the job a lot easier.

I'll remember that for next time!!

Alan

I changed one on my lupo gti and it came off no problem! Hardly even needed any persuasion (no puller req)

Hopefully you have the same luck

I've got a rumbler just starting :(

But easy sooo

Phew!! many thanks to all you lovely helpful members, and fingers crossed hub just slides off.

One small point...

E-Bay seller selling the whole (new) hub assembly 6Q0501611 with magnetic ring, for £24.99 whereas Skoda quotes 6Q0598611 for same part for £82.00..

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/121191905558?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649

 

 

Any opinions?

Have a look here.  I reckon 6Q0501611 is/was probably No.10 in the list, where 6Q0598611 includes the hub nut and cap. Lot of extra money for a nut and cap, but I guess the main cost difference is genuine-ness.

Have a look here.  I reckon 6Q0501611 is/was probably No.10 in the list, where 6Q0598611 includes the hub nut and cap. Lot of extra money for a nut and cap, but I guess the main cost difference is genuine-ness.

 

Thanks for your input 'Wino',

With some more research I found out that part number 6Q0501611 was superseded by number 6Q0598611 . 

E-Bay seller is also selling the whole complete hub bearing assembly + nut + cap, it's worth the risk to buy.

Seller will refund if incorrect part , so win, win situation really...