Front Wheel Bearing - Spacer?

[DIYrio]

I am going to replace the front wheel bearings on my 02 Rio Automatic this weekend if hurricane Ike doesn't rain on my parade. I had to go to the dealer to get replacement axel nuts. I do not like the crimp-style throw-always but I'll deal with it. I like the cotter pins better. When I was there I looked at the technical break down which showed a spacer behind the outer wheel bearing. I have a technician’s manual but I don't have the part number. When I talked to the parts guy, he said that there were so many different sizes that he couldn't sell me all of them. I was willing to buy a set if they offered one. He said they didn't.

I'm starting to think this guy just wanted to see if I would get discouraged and let them do the service. I certainly won't. Does anyone know the best way to deal with the spacer problem? Worst case, I'll just put the old one back in and look forward to replacing the bearings again in 30K miles.

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

[Raven1210]

there is about 30 different sizes. the only way to get the right one is when you rip the bearings out mesure it and take it to the dealer. Hate to say it but thats the only way to get the right one

[Rio767pilot]

Raven... Its my understanding that changing the bearings, even slightly different will change the spacer size. Is that true? Threads that I have been reading and also dealer advise has stated that the best and most accurate way is to use the oem tool to measure and figure out the spacer size.

[DIYrio]

Originally Posted by Rio767pilot

the best and most accurate way is to use the oem tool to measure and figure out the spacer size.

Do you mean oem or the AutoZone "OEM" brand?
I was just going to use a standard depth gage. Would that not work? If it won't, where is the best place to buy the OEM tool?

Raven, thanks for confirming that there is now way around extra trips to the dealer for those spacers. It could be worse.

[Rio767pilot]

A couple of weeks ago, I was in the dealer to talk to them about this specific project... They said that the tool was not for sale to the public. Other dealers might sell this, but my local will not. According to the dealer, and other people that have voiced their input in this forum, if not done per kia manual, you will soon be repairing the bearing again. Wrench4life might have some good input on this subject

[DIYrio]

Originally Posted by Rio767pilot

They said that the tool was not for sale to the public.

I, totally, respect what you are saying. I also understand why the dealer will not sell the tool. They don't want John Doe working on his bearings, messing it up, the wheel flying off or locking up, killing himself at 70 mph, and blaming them for selling him the tool .
(Not to mention there is obscene profit to be made replacing bearings $450 USD for @ $75 USD in parts and 1.5 hours in labor, tops.)

I am not the average guy though. I replace bearings in CNC machines that run at much higher speeds and require much greater tolerances than my 2002 Rio. Still I would only concider leaving in the old spacer if it was within .020 inch of what I needed.

PS. I would not recommend that anyone crack into this job without taking great care. There's no shame in taking this one to the dealer if you're not sure you can do it yourself. I'm serious about the wheel flying off or locking up.

[Raven1210]

Originally Posted by Rio767pilot

Raven... Its my understanding that changing the bearings, even slightly different will change the spacer size. Is that true? Threads that I have been reading and also dealer advise has stated that the best and most accurate way is to use the oem tool to measure and figure out the spacer size.

That is true to but When I changed my bearings I got them from the dealer it was the same space has my old spacers

[Raven1210]

you can try a standard depth gage, I have not tryed it but I cannot see why that wouldn't work has good has the dealers part

[DIYrio]

Thanks for the help guys. I got taken-down by a cold/flu this weekend . I've postponed the repair until next weekend. I'll be driving another on of my cars this week. I'll come back and give an update when I'm done.