anikon

Hi all,

I want to replace the rear wheel bearing for my 2006 A6 quattro 3.2 and i couldn't find any tutorials for DIY.

I got a quote from an Audi dealer for the Part #: 4F0598625A for $194. Is it hard to replace it? Do i need to press the bearing into the hub? Is there a service manual describing this procedure?




Thank a lot for any input.

TeamHate

Can you explain the symptom of a bad wheel bearing?

Do you have a slight/constant(VERY annoying) shaking or vibration at higher speeds? (Highway speeds 60+)

stuffinder

No experience w/rear wheel bearing failures on '06 A6 Avant w/221K (Sold) or '07 w/156K or '08 w/163K BUT '06 had new front wheel bearings installed between 165-175K. My '08 just needed new front wheel bearings at 160K. Symptoms were high pitched whine I first associated with noisy tires from lack of timely rotation. Left front was really noisy & got worse when turning! Got new wheel bearings from emiparts.com ($210) and had installed by local mechanic mechanic. ($275). Much quieter now!

beep-beep

I had to replace the front bearing on my 2006 A6. I think it is much more difficult compared to the old cars. The iron bearing is held in aluminum hub and dissimilar metals corrode and fuse together. I ended up bringing the car to the shop.

Not sure if the rear hub is aluminum or iron. also the rear hub could be easier to take of the car and bring to the guys with the press.

TeamHate

Apart from the whining, did you ever experience light vibration/shaking at highway speeds?

This has been going on for awhile, and I'm trying to narrow it down. I've gotten under the car to check: axles/boots, upper lower arms, shocks and everything is still in great condition. Don't know if on of the wheels bearings are bad?

A6Gary

If you follow the Bentley Repair manual, here is what is states to R&R to remove the wheel bearing housing:

Wheel Bearing Unit
Special tools, testers and auxiliary items required
Torque Wrench V.A.G 1332

Removing

Vehicles with coil springs

All Wheel Drive (AWD)

Remove wheel covers, remove cover cap on light-alloy wheels (removal hook in vehicle tool kit).
Loosen collar bolt for outer joint of drive axle (only loosen when vehicle is standing on its wheels "Risk of accident" ). Refer to Drive Axle Outer Joint Collar Bolt, Loosening and Tightening.

Remove coil spring.
Refer to Coil Spring .
Remove wheel speed sensor - 3 - . Refer to Brake System - Repair Group 45 .
Remove drive axle. Refer to Drive Axle .

All Wheel Drive (AWD)

Place vehicle on a hoist. Refer to Positioning Vehicle on Hoist and Wheels .
Remove wheel covers, remove cover cap on light-alloy wheels (removal hook in vehicle tool kit).
Loosen collar bolt for outer joint of drive axle (only loosen when vehicle is standing on its wheels "Risk of accident" ). Refer to Drive Axle Outer Joint Collar Bolt, Loosening and Tightening.

Drive Axle
Removing

Vehicles with coil springs

Loosen collar bolt for outer joint of drive axle. Refer to Drive Axle Outer Joint Collar Bolt, Loosening and Tightening .
Remove coil spring. Refer to Coil Spring .
Remove wheel speed sensor - 3 - . Refer to Brake System - Repair Group 45 .

All vehicles
Remove exhaust system rear muffler. Refer to Engine Mechanical - Repair Group 26 .

Remove rear final drive. Refer to Rear Final Drive 0AR - Repair Group 39 or Rear Final Drive 01R - Repair Group 39 .

Remove drive axle toward the inside.

stuffinder

I did feel some vibration which increased w/speed and got worse when turning right. (left ront bearing was worst)

TeamHate

Ok! Sounds similar to me. Thanks for the info

Did you just do both while you were at it?

anikon

Thank you a lot. This is what i was looking for. Will let you know once i'm done with this.

anikon