When I did it, I unclipped the little spring things on the brakes and popped
off the shoes.  Then there's a few bolts or nuts (don't remember - was last
year) to get the plate off that the brakes attach to so you can get to the
bolts that hold the axle stub in place.  That plate was kinda rust molded to
the hub.  Then I took out the bolts that hold the CV to the transmission,
and pulled the whole axle stub/CV shaft assembly out the side.  You could
reach in and disconnect the CV shaft on the outer side, but that seemed like
a lot bigger pain reaching in the housing to undo those CV bolts.  Once it's
out, then it wasn't too bad getting to the bearings - just don't muck up the
threads where the axle nut goes.
Good luck...
Chris

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com]On Behalf
Of Jere Hawn
Sent: Friday, March 23, 2001 5:42 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Rear Bearing Help and bulb

Hi all,

Today's project was going to be the left rear bearings, both inner and
outer. They have been making quite a ruckus for the past few weeks.  I
have started the project and have encountered a problem... how much do i
need to take off and the sequence?  Bentley isn't very clear on this, He
does have a nice picture of a clean bearing housing.

1.  Do i have to drop the CV joint?

2.  Removing the bearing hub... do i leave all the rear break hardware
attached?

3.  does any have the line on drop light bulbs.  I seem to be going
through them like paper towels at the annual county bearing packing
contest, just a simple nudge when it is hot and it goes out.  Any ideas
on this?

TIA

Jere
90 GL
88 GL