Conrad Hoffman

My left rear hub has lots of noise and lots of play. Various info on the 'net suggested it shouldn't too hard to change, at least compared to the front. My guess is it isn't hard on a newer car, but I finally gave up and am taking it to the local service guy.

Getting good leverage on the four bolts holding the hub isn't easy. I think the manual may specify a T49 Torx, but AFAIK there's no such thing. A T50 seems to be a tight fit, probably due to rust- pound it it! You probably need an OA torch as well, to have any hope of getting the thing loose.

I'm posting this as a warning to the typical driveway mechanic who might be considering giving it a try on an older car- if you're young and strong and have a torch handy, maybe go for it, but IMO this is way better done on a lift. BTW, given the age of the car and the rust problem, you'll likely need new brake rotor shields too.