I am installing rear axle bearings in my sidekick and I had to cut the retaining plate off as I did not have a bearing puller, so I need a new one of those. Are they a dealer only item?

My next question, does anyone have a diagram showing the order of the install?

I think it goes retaining plate, seal, bearing, retaining ring, seal. The reason I need the diagram is becasue I have 2 seals, and Im not sure which one is inner seal and outer seal.

Thanks for any and all info!

Tom
West Jefferson Ohio

I'm a bit confused on this one. When you pulled the rear axle out of the diff, the bearing should have been removed with the axle, and pressed onto the end behind the reataining plate, correct? the FSM reccomends using a die grinder with a cut off wheel to cut through the bearing race to remove it. You have to be careful to not cut too far or gouge the surface of the axle where the bearing sits. I tried several bearing pullers before finally cutting the bearing off. Much easier. If you already cut off the retaining plate, you might want to get a replacement axle from a salvage yard. I don't think it's a part you can buy, except as an axle assembly. They're cheap at the u pull it though, I abought two for $20 with good bearings already on them.

Here is a link to a video describing how to replace the rear wheel bearings on a '96 Sidekick Sport.

http://www.acksfaq.com/rear_axle_bearing_replacement.htm

The process is pretty much the same for all Sidekicks, Trackers and even Samurais.

I hope that this helps!

that does help! The plate is available from the dealer for $24.

thanks