REAR HUB CARRIER BEARINGS

1 Check for play

The rear hub carrier pivots on the lower suspension arm on a pair of taper-roller bearings. These wear our, often helped by rust. Support the rear of the car on axle stands. Use a long lever to flex the wheel up/down and in/out. Look for movement.

2 Remove pivot bolt nut

Any play between the arm and the hub carrier suggests action is required. For each side you’ll need two bearings, a pivot bolt and a pivot bolt sleeve. Remove the wheel and the 22mm nut from the front end of the pivot bolt. Soak the bolt in penetrating oil.

3 Withdraw pivot bolt

The pivot bolt is likely to be reluctant to move. A combination of rotating it with a spanner, tapping its front end with a copper-faced hammer and lashings of penetrating oil should get it moving. Drift, lever and wiggle it all the way out.

4 Extract bolt sleeve

If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to simply drift the pivot bolt sleeve out of one of the inner bearing races and remove it. More extreme action may be required if it’s rusty. Heat and/or a puller made from sockets and threaded bar may work. Or an angle grinder…

5 Drift off outer tracks

It may be possible to knock out the outer bearing tracks with a hammer and a long, slim drift. If they’re stubborn, use a cutting disc in a Dremel – or similar – to cut through the tracks. The primary concern is avoiding damage to the hub carrier.

6 Fit new outer tracks

Thoroughly clean the hole in the hub carrier. Make sure you remove all swarf. Drift the outer tracks of the new bearings into place. Use a hammer and an old socket (or a thick washer) that bears squarely on the outer rim of the bearing track.

7 Fit new bearings

There’s no provision for re-lubricating the pivot bearing (though earlier XJ6 models had grease nipples). Pack the inner races of the bearings thoroughly with good quality multipurpose grease. Push or tap one race onto one end of the new sleeve.

8 Reassemble

Slide the sleeve into place in the hub carrier and fit the second inner bearing race to its other end. Manoeuvre the hub carrier and suspension arm back together, align the holes and fit the new pivot bolt from the rear. Fit a new locknut. Tighten to 55lb ft.

9 Note alignment

The pivot bolt has an eccentric head that bears against a ridge on the suspension arm. An oval hole allows toe-in to be adjusted. Turn the bolt head to the same position as the original one, marked by a non-rusty patch on the suspension arm.