Anyone tried; remove wheel bearing with removing ABS

Hi all,
I have stubborn ABS sensor retainer bolts, and it's most likely catching...

I was wondered if anyone has removed a wheel bearing on the facelift Freelander 1 whilst leaving the ABS sensors in?

Now, this may be a dumb question for those in the know! So, please do speak up... This will be my first bearing change, and I'm hoping to remove it while the ABS sensor is in situ as I know the bolt will snap.

There is a high risk of damaging the sensor, but I understand there is an air gap between the wheel bearing outer ring and sensor, which I hope will save me.

Anyone with any wisdom?

Thanks...

If your bearing puller clears the sensor then why not?

Just check it's all centred up before winding it up and extracting.

Getting a 15 year old bearing out isn't fun, often needing access to a 20 Ton press. The ABS sensor really needs to come out, as it's likely to be damaged while removing the bearing. It wouldn't take much of a hit to damage the sensor.
You will probably be better off finding another matching hub assembly, with a good wheel bearing.

Interesting, never had a problem, I use a long bolt winder type and after circlip removal it has always pulled out o.k - maybe just lucky so far !!!

The sensor is held in with an 8mm bolt, and there is rust upon rust, so it will snap in the hub - why Land Rover didn't make it a 12mm is beyond me...

I’m going to give it a go this weekend and see what happens; I've already broken and bent a breaker trying to get the hub but off!! (Impact wrench is on it's way.)

The other other option is to follow the video from Bodge it and Leg it on the Youtube. Let the bolt break and use a tap on it. ( He has some good vids for the Freelander)

I appreciate the thoughts and the advice, and a problem shared...

I'll be back with some pictures and hopefully with a happy face! I also need to get the IRD out again, as there is a leak (drip) between the gearbox and IRD - man, I hate removing the IRD, dread it.... Btw this is all done on my driveway... Fun times

I would go with drill and tap, so if it ever needs to be replaced it should come out easily.

andyfreelandy said:

Interesting, never had a problem, I use a long bolt winder type and after circlip removal it has always pulled out o.k - maybe just lucky so far !!!

Click to expand...

You've been lucky Andy, or I've been unlucky.
Last 3 I've done, have resorted to using a press, and one of those need plenty of heat too.