MK4 Rear Bearing & Stub Replace Problem.

[CaliTDI]

I have a slightly bent rear axle stub (2002 Jetta TDI) so I'm replacing both the rear stub and bearing this week. Received my parts from RMEuropean.com who I've had good luck. Also, followed some good online procedures.

Problem is after removing the stub and bearing, installing the new stub axle successfully, I then had difficulty placing the new bearing onto the stub.

With calipers I measured the od of the stub at 1.18", and the id of the bearing at 1.785". This seems to be a miss-match. I believe to have a good slip fit a clearance of 0.010" is needed. The online procedures/ videos show a smooth/ good fit.

Well I pushed the bearing very hard onto the stub. The stub then was stuck (only partially down the stub). I then had to use a puller to remove the bearing resulting in a damaged bearing (rear racing).

Will contact RMeuropean to get their advise. Seems like the hub id is undersize. The old stub od is also 1.18". Unless there is a special press fit to assemble the bearing onto the stub my only conclusion is the bearing is out of tolerance.

If anyone else has experience with installing the rear stub and axle would appreciate your input.

Reference install procesures:
Rear Bearing Replacement Jetta 2000
http://www.ccp.edu/site/about/ccptv/..._bearings.html

Stub 1J0501117B:
http://www.rmeuropean.com/search.asp...ord=1J0501117B

Bearing/ Hub:
http://www.rmeuropean.com/Part-Numbe..._55D21741.aspx

Thanks

[CaliTDI]

I realized the axle stub 1J0501117B measurement I gave previous post was wrong; 1.18" is actually 1.81" (I must be dyslexic). A 1.81" part fits inside a 1.785" part - not likely.

The last couple days drove (drove the Corolla) the family up to Sequoia national forest here in California. I would strongly suggest if you visit California to place the Sequoia national forest on your itinerary.

My suspicion is the bearing/ hub is out of tolerance. All the install procedures I've seen explain the new bearing/ hub slips onto the axle with out force or tools.

I do not have the Bentley procedure on this install; would really like to find out what the Bentley procedure is. If the Bentley procedure also describes a slip fit, then the bearing/ hub is out of tolerance. I will be shopping for a VW part, or purchase from the VW dealer

If you have the Bentley rear bearing/ hub install instructions would love to see it

[CaliTDI]

After some digging I noticed the Bentley service manual describes using a 3420 tool to install the hub/ bearing. This forum posting describes it's use, but seems like everyone says is not needed.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/s...ad.php?t=23571

Snap-On has the 3420 tool for $14.90. Not sure about availability/ delivery time.
http://vw.snapon.com/SpecialToolsDet...temid=29620008

I've also found thread where others have same problem as me. My conclusion is cheap Chinese parts?
http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=246926

I am also seeing this MFG's bearings 1J0598477 on ebay as new. Not sure I want to place part this on my car.

[CaliTDI]

Received the VW 3420 tool from Snap-On. This did the trick.

My guess is the hub/ bearing 1J0-598-477 was good - the tolerances were on the high end. The assembly was very tight all the way on. Spoke to others about hub/ bearings - was told they need to fit tight.

The tool was cheap $25 including shipping - I suggest buying it if you need to replace your rear bearing hub.