Replacing the XJ40 Rear Wheel Bearings

  • Gary
  • XJ40

How to Replace the Rear Wheel Bearings on Your XJ40 Jaguar

The rear wheel bearings on your 1986-1994 Jaguar XJ40 must be replaced before they fail completely. Worn bearings can cause excessive play in the wheel, poor handling, and eventually lead to expensive damage to the hub and hub carrier.

Signs of Failing Wheel Bearings

  • A grinding or rumbling noise from the rear wheels (especially when turning).
  • Uneven tire wear or excessive wheel play.
  • A vibration that worsens with speed.

If you hear grinding, the bearing has already failed, and immediate replacement is necessary. Ignoring it could mean replacing the hub and hub carrier, significantly increasing repair costs.

Steps to Replace the Rear Wheel Bearings

Tools & Parts Needed:

  • New rear wheel bearings (available in our parts catalog)
  • Basic hand tools (socket set, breaker bar, torque wrench)
  • Bearing puller and press (or access to a shop press)
  • Fresh wheel bearing grease

1. Remove the Rear Hub Assembly

  1. Safely jack up the car and secure it on jack stands.
  2. Remove the rear wheels.
  3. Unbolt the brake caliper and hang it aside (don’t let it dangle by the brake hose).
  4. Remove the brake disc (rotor) to access the hub assembly.
  5. Unbolt the hub carrier and remove the hub from the axle shaft.

2. Replace the Wheel Bearing

  1. Use a bearing puller to remove the old bearing from the hub.
  2. Clean the hub thoroughly, removing all debris and old grease.
  3. Press the new bearing into place using a bearing press.
  4. Reassemble the hub, ensuring all bolts are properly torqued to spec.

3. Reinstall the Hub Assembly

  1. Reattach the hub to the axle shaft and hub carrier.
  2. Reinstall the brake rotor and caliper.
  3. Torque all fasteners to the manufacturer’s specifications.
  4. Reinstall the wheel and lower the car.

Easier Alternative: Replace the Entire Rear Axle Assembly

If your wheel bearings have been failing for a while, the hub and hub carrier may already be damaged. To save time and effort, we offer complete rear axle assemblies, making the repair quicker and easier.

Get the Right Parts for Your XJ40

Visit our Jaguar Parts Store Catalog to order high-quality wheel bearings, hubs, and complete rear axle assemblies for your XJ40.

Replacing your wheel bearings in time will keep your XJ40 running smoothly and prevent costly repairs down the road. Let us know if you need help selecting the right parts!