Rear Hub Bearings — Replacement (BMW 3 Series E46)

1. Remove the rear hub (see paragraph 9).

2. Remove the bearing retaining ring from the hub support bore.

3. Knock the bearing out of the hub support using a hammer.

4. Thoroughly clean the bearing bore and remove any deposits that may interfere with assembly. If the snap ring is faulty, replace it.

5. When assembling, apply a small amount of clean engine oil to the outer bearing ring (to facilitate assembly).

6. Install the bearing in the hub support and hammer it into place using a hammer and a piece of pipe of a suitable diameter. The pipe should rest only on the outer ring of the bearing.

7. Secure the bearing with a retaining ring.

8. Install the hub (see paragraph 9).