how do I replace rear wheel bearings in a 98 civic. do I need a press?

 

The complete hub with bearings is replaced as a unit. No need to press out bearings since they aren't sold separately anyway.

 

 

OK. do you know the size of the nut that holds bearing hub assembly together? I don't have a big enough socket, biggest I have is like 18mm. could I just use an adjustable wrench?

 

Some auto parts stores offer free rentals for specialized tools, such as large socket sets that include the needed 32-mm socket.

In some cases, a gear puller helps to remove the hub bearing unit.

 

Note the torque spec on that nut -- 134 ft-lb. You will need a good socket and some leverage to R&R it.

 

Just a heads-up

I did mine just over a year ago, when I removed the spindle nut, the whole hub/bearing assembly fell off - EXCEPT for the inner race, which was stuck to the axle/spindle. I had to use a cutting wheel to remove it. It is not a difficult job, aside from that.

 

do you have to lineup the nut with the indented stud( where you have to punch the nut down) I'm assuming you do but when I line the nut up with the correct spot where I could punch it back down, the torque isn't 134. can I go over 134 ft ponds of torque? I read 134 on my torque wrench but I'd have to make almost another complete turn to allign the nut again. is it supposed to be hard to tighten the nut are just barely snug. thanks

 

You're supposed to use a new nut every time it is taken off.

 

the bearing I bought didn't come with a new nut. I used old nut and used a chizzle to make a new indent in a different spot on nut.