Mazda Repair: Hub Removal, front wheel bearings, spindle nut

Question
I am trying to replace the front wheel bearings in my 200 MPV.  I have removed the caliper, caliper bracket, and spindle nut.  But when I put the puller on the hub and tighten down, it pushes the axle out the back instead of pulling the hub off.  Am I missing something?

Thanks,
Rob

Answer
A puller will not work for this job, you will need acess to or to bring it to someone with a large Hydraulic H frame Arbor Press.

Your MPV uses a unit bearing pressed into a spindle and has a hub pressed into it. Their are two snap clips that prevent it from coming out. However; removing these will not allow you to do this job. The proper way of doing this is to remove the strut, tie rod end and ball joint and free the entire assembly from the car. Then you press the hub out of the spindle with a 20 ton H frame arbor press. You then remove the snap rings on both sides which are now accessible and press the rest of the bearing out of the spindle. Clean the inside of the spindle. The new bearing is a press fit unit as well and will require copious amounts of Goodson press fit lube to make it go in as well as the 20 ton press. Once the bearing is in and the snap rings are in place you can then support the inner race of the bearing on a drift and press the hub into place. If you do not have the room for a 20 ton press and also do not have the room to tear the whole spindle out of this car I suggest you then take the spindle of as one unit and call around to some of the local shops to see if they can press in a new bearing for you. If you go to a local auto parts store and ask them to see a wheel bearing for your car you will immediately see what I am talking about.

Good luck and Happy Motoring,


Regards,


John