• Put safety first: Engage the parking brake and properly block the wheels opposite the one you're working on to prevent the vehicle from rolling. Always disconnect the battery before engaging in substantial mechanical tasks.
• Prepare the machine: Locate the lug nut wrenches and a jack for lifting the vehicle safely. Locate the rear wheel that needs the bearing replaced.
• Raise the vehicle: Use a jack to raise the RTV 900 securely enough to remove the affected rear wheel. For stability and safety, insert a jack stand beneath the frame.
• Remove Wheel Bolts: Get your lug nut wrench and loosen (not completely remove) the wheel lug bolts on the wheel that needs to be removed. When the lug nuts are ready, use the jack to slightly lower the vehicle until the weight is off the tire and continue unscrewing and removing all lug nuts.
• Remove Wheel: Once the lug nuts are removed, gently lift the wheel away from the vehicle. This might be challenging due to rust or other buildup, so be careful.
• Locate and Remove the Bearing Bolts: After the wheel is off, you will see the rear wheel bearing assembly exposed. Identify and remove the bolts holding the bearing assembly with an appropriate wrench or socket. Typically, there are multiple bolts arranged around the bearing. Take note of their location and arrangement as they might need to be reinstalled exactly as they were.
• Remove Bearing Assembly: After the bolts are removed, you will see the rear wheel bearing assembly, which is usually made of metal. Use a pry bar or specific bearing removal tool to gently pry the bearing out of its housing. Please be cautious not to damage any surrounding components during this step.
• Clean the Installation Area: Before installing a new bearing, it is essential to thoroughly clean the installation area. Remove any excess grease, debris, or rust from the housing where the old bearing was located. It is recommended to use a wire brush or suitable solvent for cleaning.
• Install New Bearing: Apply a high-temperature bearing grease to the new bearing's inner race and carefully insert it into the cleaned housing. Ensure that the bearing is properly seated and aligned.
• Reinstall Bearing Assembly: Reattach the bearing assembly to the vehicle using the bolts you removed earlier. Hand-tighten the bolts first, then use the wrench or socket to tighten them firmly but without over-tightening.
• Mount the Wheel: Place the wheel back onto the vehicle and securely tighten the lug nuts by hand. Lower the vehicle fully, then use the lug nut wrench to tighten the nuts in a crisscross pattern to a proper tightness as specified in your Kubota RTV 900 manual or by a professional mechanic.
• Reconnect Battery: Once the wheel and bearing are installed, you can reconnect the battery and perform a quick test drive or spin the replaced wheel freely to ensure it operates smoothly without any unusual sounds or vibrations.
