Front Wheel Bearings – Checking, Adjustment, Repacking, and Replacement – 2.5L NA

Overview

This procedure outlines how to check, adjust, repack, and replace the front wheel bearings on all Porsche 944 variants with an 8-valve engine configuration. Proper maintenance of wheel bearings ensures smooth wheel rotation, reduces wear, and prevents damage to the hub and spindle. This guide covers both older (1983–1985.5) and newer (1985.5–1988) model variants, with specific distinctions noted where applicable.

Pink and blue text represent links to additional resources, tools, parts, and partner websites.

Tools Required

• Small flat-tip screwdriver or probe (Pre-85.5, for left front wheel)
• Medium flat-tip screwdriver
• Hammer
• Chisel
• Medium round-tip punch (preferably brass)
• 6 mm (1/4 inch) Allen head wrench or long Allen head socket
• Floor jack
• Jack stands
• Bearing packer (recommended for repacking)
• Gloves (for handling hot hub assemblies)

Parts Required

• Wheel bearing kit (includes inner and outer bearings and races), 944 341 605 00
• Bearing grease seal, 477 405 641
• Moly bearing grease

Required Additional Procedures

Steps in these procedures are required to complete this process:

• Brake Pad Replacement

Step-by-Step Procedure

Step 1: Check Wheel Bearing Condition

1. Safely raise the front of the vehicle using a floor jack and secure it on jack stands.
2. Spin each front wheel by hand and listen for grinding or unusual noises. Ensure the wheel rotates smoothly without excessive resistance.
3. Remove the front wheel to access the wheel bearing.

For Pre-85.5 models:

• On the left front wheel, remove the E-clip from the speedometer cable using a small flat-tip screwdriver or probe before proceeding to the grease cap.

For 85.5 Onwards models:

• No E-clip removal is required; proceed directly to the grease cap.

4. Tap around the back edge of the wheel bearing grease cap with a hammer and chisel to remove it.
5. Use a medium flat-tip screwdriver to attempt to turn the bearing thrust washer (located behind the locking collar). Ensure the screwdriver does not contact the locking collar or hub.
6. Evaluate the thrust washer:• If the washer spins freely or cannot be turned with moderate force, the bearing needs adjustment or replacement.• If the washer turns with slight resistance, the bearing is likely properly adjusted.

Step 2: Adjust Wheel Bearing (If Needed)

7. Locate the Allen head bolt on the locking collar. Rotate the hub until the detent in the hub’s lip aligns with the bolt.
8. Loosen the Allen head bolt using a 6 mm (1/4 inch) Allen head wrench or long Allen head socket.
9. Adjust the bearing:

• If the thrust washer spins too freely, turn the locking collar clockwise to tighten the bearing.
• If the thrust washer is too tight, turn the locking collar counter-clockwise to loosen the bearing.

10. Recheck the thrust washer adjustment as described in Step 1. Repeat adjustments until the washer turns with slight resistance.
11. Tighten the Allen head bolt to 10 Nm (7.4 ft-lbs).
12. Reinstall the grease cap, pressing it firmly into place.
13. Reinstall the front wheel and lower the vehicle.

Step 3: Replace Wheel Bearings (If Required)

14. Safely raise the front of the vehicle using a floor jack and secure it on jack stands.
15. Remove the front wheels.
16. Follow this link to ensure this step – Brake Pad Replacement – of the process is followed accurately.
17. Remove the two caliper retaining bolts attaching the brake caliper to the steering knuckle using a 19 mm (3/4 inch) wrench. Slide the caliper off the rotor and secure it out of the way using shock cord or wire.

For Pre-85.5 models:

• On the left front wheel, remove the E-clip from the speedometer cable using a small flat-tip screwdriver or probe before proceeding to the grease cap.

For 85.5 Onwards models:

• No E-clip removal is required; proceed directly to the grease cap.

18. Tap around the back edge of the wheel bearing grease cap with a hammer and chisel to remove it.
19. Loosen the Allen head bolt on the locking collar using a 6 mm (1/4 inch) Allen head wrench or long Allen head socket, aligning the hub’s detent with the bolt as needed.
20. Turn the locking collar counter-clockwise to remove it from the spindle.
21. Pull the hub and rotor assembly straight off the spindle. Catch the thrust washer and outer wheel bearing, which may fall out.
22. Pry the grease seal out of the back of the hub using a flat-tip screwdriver and remove the inner wheel bearing.
23. Use a hammer and medium round-tip brass punch to tap out the bearing races from the hub. Alternate tapping on opposite sides along the two channels inside the hub to avoid damage.
24. Thoroughly clean the inner surfaces of the hub with a degreaser and a clean cloth.
25. Prepare the new bearing races, 944 341 605 00:• Place the races in a freezer for at least 1 hour (preferably overnight).• Heat the hub assembly in an oven at 121°C (250°F) for at least 30 minutes.
26. Using gloves, remove the hub from the oven and place it on a heat-resistant, flat surface.
27. Remove the bearing races from the freezer and insert them into the heated hub. They should drop in with minimal effort. If resistance is encountered, tap gently with a brass punch.
28. Pack the new inner and outer bearings, 944 341 605 00, with moly bearing grease:• Preferably, use a bearing packer.• Alternatively, place the bearing in your palm and push grease into the rollers with your fingers until fully packed.
29. Place the packed inner bearing into the back of the hub.
30. Install a new bearing grease seal, 477 405 641, into the back of the hub, tapping it gently with a hammer until flush.
31. Slide the hub assembly onto the spindle and insert the packed outer bearing.
32. Install the thrust washer and locking collar onto the spindle.
33. Adjust the bearing as described in Step 2.
34. Tighten the Allen head bolt on the locking collar to 10 Nm (7.4 ft-lbs).
35. Reinstall the grease cap, pressing it firmly into place.
36. Reinstall the brake caliper, tightening the retaining bolts to 85 Nm (63 ft-lbs).
37. Follow this link to ensure this step – Brake Pad Replacement – of the process is followed accurately to reinstall the brake pads.
38. Reinstall the front wheels and tighten lug nuts to 130 Nm (96 ft-lbs).
39. Lower the vehicle and test-drive for 5 miles (8 km) to ensure smooth operation.

Post Procedure Checklist

• Verify that the wheels spin freely without grinding or unusual noises.
• Check that the grease cap is securely in place with no leaks.
• Ensure the brake caliper bolts are tightened to 85 Nm (63 ft-lbs).
• Confirm lug nuts are tightened to 130 Nm (96 ft-lbs).
• Inspect for any play in the wheel by rocking it side to side after lowering the vehicle.

Sources

• Clark’s Garage
• Pelican Parts
• Porsche 944 Workshop Manuals
• YouTube