Brakes and Suspension Rear Wheel Bearing Replacement – Steel Trailing Arm – 2.5L NA Estimated reading: 5 minutes Contributors Overview This procedure outlines the steps to replace the rear wheel bearings on all Porsche 944 variants with an 8-valve engine configuration, specifically for steel trailing arm suspensions. It is critical for maintaining proper wheel alignment and smooth operation, as worn bearings can cause noise, vibration, or wheel play. This guide covers both pre-1985.5 (83-85.5) and 1985.5 onwards (86-88) variants, with distinctions noted where applicable. Pink and blue text represent links to additional resources, tools, parts, and partner websites. Tools Required 36mm (1-7/16 inch) socket 8mm (5/16 inch) Cheesehead (Triple Square) tool Metric socket set Phillips head screwdriver Jack stands Floor jack Gear puller or block of wood and hammer Seal puller Soft drift and hammer 19mm (3/4 inch) wrench (for brake dust guard bolts) Parts Required Outer bearing seal: 999 053 055 01 Inner bearing seal: 999 053 054 01 Snap ring: 477 405 641 Inner wheel bearing: 999 053 051 01 Outer wheel bearing: 999 053 052 01 Bearing spacer tube: 477 405 643 Inner bearing spacer: 477 405 645 Stub axle (if damaged): 477 405 313 Cotter pin: N 012 409 2 Required Additional Procedures Steps in these procedures are required to complete this process: Parking Brake Adjustment Step-by-Step Procedure Step 1: Prepare the Vehicle Engage the emergency brake to stabilize the vehicle during axle nut removal. Loosen the rear wheel lug nuts on one side using a 19mm (3/4 inch) socket, turning several times but not removing them. Raise the vehicle on that side using a floor jack, ensuring it is secure on jack stands. Remove the lug nuts and take off the rear wheel. Step 2: Remove the Axle Nut Remove the cotter pin (N 012 409 2) from the axle nut using pliers. Attempt to loosen the axle nut using a 36mm (1-7/16 inch) socket and a breaker bar at least 24 inches (61 cm) long. Apply steady force counterclockwise. If the nut does not loosen, position the breaker bar parallel to the ground, resting its handle on a jack stand. For the left wheel, point the breaker bar toward the rear of the car; for the right wheel, point it toward the front. Ensure the setup avoids damaging suspension components or bodywork. Slowly lower the floor jack to let the vehicle’s weight help break the axle nut free. If this fails, use a 3/4-inch drive impact wrench or take the vehicle to a shop equipped with one. Remove the axle nut and any rear wheel spacer (Pre-85.5), if present. Step 3: Remove Brake Components Release the emergency brake. Remove the brake caliper using a 19mm (3/4 inch) wrench, securing it out of the way without stressing the brake line. Remove the brake rotor retaining screws using a Phillips head screwdriver. Pull off the brake rotor. If stuck, thread M8 bolts into the rotor’s two threaded holes to jack it off. Remove the parking brake pads, spreader, and brake dust guard using a 19mm (3/4 inch) wrench to remove the four hex head bolts. Step 4: Disconnect the Axle and Hub Remove the rear hub by pulling it off the stub axle. Using an 8mm (5/16 inch) Cheesehead (Triple Square) tool, disconnect the CV joint from the trailing arm and hang the axle out of the way. Remove the stub axle using a gear puller or by driving it out with a block of wood and hammer. Check the inner spacer ring (477 405 645) on the stub axle. If it sticks to the inner bearing seal, remove it, inspect for scoring, and replace if damaged. Step 5: Remove Old Bearings and Seals Remove the inner and outer bearing seals (999 053 054 01, 999 053 055 01) using a seal puller. Remove the snap ring (477 405 641) next to the inner wheel bearing using snap ring pliers. From the outside of the trailing arm, use a soft drift and hammer to gently tap the inner wheel bearing (999 053 051 01) out, striking evenly to avoid binding. From the inside of the trailing arm, tap the outer wheel bearing (999 053 052 01) out using the same method. Remove the bearing spacer tube (477 405 643) and clean all old grease from the trailing arm. Step 6: Install New Bearings and Seals Pack new inner and outer bearings (999 053 051 01, 999 053 052 01) with high-quality bearing grease. Install the new inner bearing into the trailing arm using a socket or soft-face hammer as a driver. Ensure the chamfered edge faces outward and the bearing seats evenly. Install the snap ring (477 405 641) next to the inner bearing. From the outside, pack fresh bearing grease into the trailing arm, leaving space for the spacer tube and grease expansion. Install the bearing spacer tube (477 405 643) from the outside. Tap the outer bearing into the trailing arm using a socket and hammer, ensuring the chamfered edge faces outward. Install new inner and outer bearing seals (999 053 054 01, 999 053 055 01). Step 7: Reassemble Components Reinstall the brake dust guard, parking brake pads, and spreader, securing with the four 19mm (3/4 inch) hex head bolts. Install the stub axle, ensuring the inner spacer ring (477 405 645) is in place. Reinstall the hub and axle nut. Torque the axle nut to 475 Nm (350 ft-lbs) and secure with a new cotter pin (N 012 409 2). Install the brake rotor and secure with Phillips head screws. Follow this link to ensure this step – Parking Brake Adjustment – of the process is followed accurately. Reinstall the brake caliper and pads. Pump the brake pedal to restore pressure before driving. Reinstall any rear wheel spacer (Pre-85.5), if applicable, and the rear wheel, tightening lug nuts to 130 Nm (96 ft-lbs). Step 8: Finalize and Repeat Lower the vehicle from the floor jack. Repeat Steps 1–7 for the other side to replace the second wheel bearing. Post Procedure Checklist Verify the axle nut is torqued to 475 Nm (350 ft-lbs) and secured with a cotter pin. Ensure the brake pedal feels firm after pumping. Check for smooth wheel rotation with no play or noise. Inspect for grease leaks around the bearing seals. Confirm parking brake adjustment is correct per the Parking Brake Adjustment procedure. Test drive the vehicle for 5 miles (8 km) to ensure no vibrations or noises. Sources Clark’s Garage Pelican Parts Porsche 944 Workshop Manuals YouTube Tagged:Brakes and SuspensionWheel Bearings Rear Wheel Bearing Replacement – Steel Trailing Arm – 2.5L NA - PreviousRear Wheel Bearing Replacement – Aluminum Trailing Arm – 2.5L NANext - Rear Wheel Bearing Replacement – Steel Trailing Arm – 2.5L NAShock Replacement – 2.5L NA
