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Z31 Replacing Rear Wheel Bearings

To make a long story short, My 86 N/A right rear inner and outer bearings were toast. The "fun" part was replacing them. Don't even attempt this if you don't have access to air tools.

Part number: BE2740 — fits both non-turbo and turbo Z31s, with or without adjustable suspension.

*WARNING* - Do this modification at your own risk. We Are not responsable for any issues of your own doing.

Tools Needed

30mm Impact Socket and impact gun Bolt Type Wheel Puller 12mm open/box end wrench 12mm Socket and ratchet 13mm Socket 15mm Socket 17mm Socket Bearing Packing tool Long Pry-bar Jack and Jack Stands Rubber mallet Slide Hammer with wheel puller attachment

Parts Needed

Oil Seal 1984-1986: 43232-Z31001
Oil Seal 1987-1989: 43232-Z31002
Inner Bearing 1984-1989: 43210-Z31001
Outer Bearing 1984-1986: 43215-Z31002
Outer Bearing 1987-1989: 43215-Z31004
High temperature Bearing Grease

Replacement Process

  1. Jack up the car and remove the tire, brake caliper, and rotor assembly. Undo the 17mm bolt holding the spring seat stay, and the 12mm bolt holding the e-brake cable bracket. Pry down the spring seat stay to access the bolts that hold the drive axle to the companion flange.
    Spring seat removal
  2. Undo the 12mm bolts from the drive axle to the axle flange (with nuts on the outside). Turbo models have 4 bolts, non-turbo have 6. Pry the axle out and remove it from the differential.
  3. Remove the 30mm wheel bearing lock nut with a socket and impact gun. Wedge a pry bar in the wheel studs to keep it from turning. After the nut is off, use a wheel puller to remove the companion flange from the axle shaft.
    Removing the companion flange
  4. Use the wheel puller attachment on a slide hammer on the hub side to pull the hub/stub axle from the bearings and control arm. Remove the bearings and replace with new, packed with high-temp grease. Make sure the bearings sit correctly in the race.
    Wheel bearing assembly
  5. Reassembly is the reverse of disassembly.

Rear Wheel Bearing Torque Specs

  • Wheel bearing lock nut: 217–289 ft-lbs
  • Drive axle to companion flange (Turbo): 43–51 ft-lbs
  • Drive axle to companion flange (Non-Turbo): 29–36 ft-lbs
  • Spring seat stay: 43–58 ft-lbs

Sources Used