Replacing rear-axle bearings

WARNING: Risk of accidents! The Offroad Stabilizer System (ORS) operates at an overpressure of up to 165 bar. Under certain conditions, motions can occur on the wheel carrier (e. g. if the Offroad stabilizers are disengaged when lifting, the button is pressed on the center console, and the wheel carrier is also raised). The stabilizer can close quickly.

Danger of crushing in the area of the stabilizers and wheel carriers. Risk of injury and material damage due to raising the wheel carrier incorrectly.

→ Before working on the vehicle, ensure that the ORS is engaged. The indicator light on the center console button must be OFF. If the indicator light is on, follow the following procedure: Switch on the ignition and engage the road driving programme >> High Range <<. The anti-roll bars must engage audibly.

→ Before working on the ORS, always depressurize the system! To do this, close the PIWIS Tester and select >> Offroad Stabi (ORS) >> Drive links >> Clock FA valve or RA valve <<. The valve clocks (audibly) until the procedure is finished (approx. 20 seconds).

Fig 1: Supporting suspension subframe

Courtesy of PORSCHE OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

1. Move the gear support → Supporting suspension subframe under the center of the suspension subframe and lift it carefully using a suitable base (e. g. hard rubber support). See Fig 1.

2. For vehicles with Offroad Stabilizer system (ORS): Unclip the lines from the supports at the body so that there is sufficient clearance at the lines for lowering the suspension subframe.

Fig 2: Clearance for cardan shaft

Courtesy of PORSCHE OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

NOTE: Front rear-axle bearings: The cardan shaft must not touch the mounting face when lowering the suspension subframe! -Arrow- See Fig 2.

3. Loosen the threaded joint at the bearing and carefully lower the gear support until there is sufficient clearance for using the tool.

Fig 3: Removing washer

Courtesy of PORSCHE OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

CAUTION: Danger of injury due to falling tools.

Danger of crushing and deformation

→ Always use industrial footwear, goggles and protective gloves.

4. Remove washer. Attach separating device -3- between suspension subframe bearing and washer. Insert internal puller -2- into the suspension subframe bearing. Attach counter support -1- and pull off the washer. Important: Please note that the washer is pressed with the bearing. The washer becomes loose suddenly! See Fig 3.

Fig 4: Tools for pressing out rear-axle bearings

Courtesy of PORSCHE OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

5. Press out suspension subframe bearing.

NOTE: Hold the hydraulic cylinder VAS 6178 tightly while pressing it out.

Fig 5: Pressing out rear-axle bearing

Courtesy of PORSCHE OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

6. Attach the tools as shown in the illustration and press out the bearing.

NOTE: When inserting the bearing, make sure that the two bores are pointing in an imaginary line in the direction of travel.

Fig 6: Installation position for rear-axle suspension subframe bearing

Courtesy of PORSCHE OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

7. Insert suspension subframe bearing and pay attention to installation position.

Fig 7: Tools for pressing in rear-axle bearings

Courtesy of PORSCHE OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

8. Press in suspension subframe bearing. To avoid damaging the bearing, the maximum → Pressure: 10 kN +/-5 kN must not be exceeded at the stop (10 KN = 350 bar). This conversion applies only to the hydraulic cylinder VAS 6178. The conversion depends on the diameter of the cylinder in question.

Fig 8: Pressing in rear-axle bearing

Courtesy of PORSCHE OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

9. Attach the tools as shown in the illustration and press in the bearing.

NOTE: Observe correct tightening torques.

10. Carefully lift the suspension subframe until the installation position is reached. Fit threaded joint on suspension subframe bearing.

11. For vehicles with Offroad Stabilizer system (ORS): Clip the lines into the holder on the body.