Rear wheel bearings and steering knuckle — removal, installation and adjustment (Audi 80 B3)

Table of contents: Models with shoe brake ↓ All models ↓

1. Block the front wheels, then jack up the rear of the car and support it on axle stands. Remove the rear wheel, release the handbrake. Remove the rear brake channel (Section 9).

2. Remove the cover from the center of the hub with a screwdriver or a blunt flat chisel (photo).

2. Remove the cover from the center of the hub with a screwdriver or a blunt flat chisel (photo).

3. Remove the pin, remove the locking ring (photo).

4. Unscrew the nut, remove the thrust washer (photo).

5. Remove the brake drum hub, being careful not to let the outer wheel bearing fall out. If the brake drum is stuck on the pads, insert a screwdriver through the hole under the wheel bolt and press the wedge to release the pads (photo) - see Section 9, if necessary.

6. Remove the inner race of the outer wheel bearing and rollers from the brake drum/hub (photo).

7. Remove the seal from the inside of the hub/brake drum (photo), remove the inner ring of the inner wheel bearing and rollers.

8. Using a soft metal drift, tap the outer races out of each side of the hub/brake drum.

9. Wash the bearings and brake drum/hub in kerosene and wipe the stub axle. Check the condition of the tapered rollers, inner and outer races, brake drum/hub and stub axle. If the bearing surfaces are pitted, replace them. Prepare a new oil seal.

10. Apply lithium grease to the bearing housings and tapered rollers, and lubricate the inside of the hub/brake drum.

11. Using a piece of metal pipe, hammer the outer races completely into the hub/brake drum.

12. Insert the inner bearing inner race and rollers, then position the seal with the seal lip facing inward, and tap it into place with a block. Lubricate the seal lip, then wipe the outer end of the insulation.

Models with shoe brake

13. Remove the rear brake shoes, following the instructions Section 9.

14. Remove the filler cap of the auxiliary brake fluid reservoir, cover the filler cap with polyethylene to prevent fluid loss during the following procedure. Alternatively, install a clamp on the hydraulic hose between the rear axle and the underbody.

15. Loosen the brake line connection at the rear of the wheel cylinder.

All models

16. Remove the bolts, remove the drum brake shield and steering knuckle from the rear axle mounting plate, while disconnecting the handbrake cable.

17. Installation is carried out in the reverse order. Bleed the brake system on models with a shoe brake (Section 9). Adjust the wheel bearing as follows.

18. Tighten the drum/hub nut, then back the nut out until the thrust washer moves by pressing on the edge with a screwdriver. Do not lift or twist the screwdriver when trying to move the thrust washer (photo).