Rear bearings Help Nige!

[ianmorrow]

I have a 176k Baltic Blue 89 3.2. Linen . It’s a great car . Loads of work done inc fully rebuilt engine body really good, interior immaculate ,the previous engineer owner spent 10 years improving it and I have continued that. Underneath it looks like new. So there is not much left to be done. Maybe a gearbox rebuild but there is nothing wrong with it at present. It’s still a high mileage car so ‘planned preventative maintenance ‘ is my thing probably because I’m a bored obsessive owner.
I last winter renewed the suspension with new Boge which I am delighted with so great for our country roads and the front wheel bearings. They were the only thing not done under the front arches. Of course my thinking is 176k and the rear bearings were not done by the previous 10 year owner so maybe original? The front bearings were straight forward for my local guy but I contacted our local OPC to be told that rears were much more complicated involving the car’s geometry but I’m not sure and I don’t want to open a can of worms. If it can be done without geometry etc should I just do it and what bearings are best and what else should I change whist my guy is at it!
All help appreciated

[Cortina]

Why do people want to change things that are working fine ?

My thoughts - if the rear bearings are ok , drive it. Deal with issue if it comes up.
If bearing replacement done in situ (not an easy 5 minute job !!!) , geometry will not be altered.
Rear bearings are BIG , and can be in VERY tight. Official route probably involves a FBP. (P for Press)

[Gary71]

Agreed, ain't broke don't fix it.

I did one of mine on the car (because it was broken and needed fixing!) using the FBH and large scale puller method. Took me a weekend of arse. Didn't enjoy it.

[jwhillracer]

Why do people want to change things that are working fine ?

My thoughts - if the rear bearings are ok , drive it. Deal with issue if it comes up.
If bearing replacement done in situ (not an easy 5 minute job !!!) , geometry will not be altered.
Rear bearings are BIG , and can be in VERY tight. Official route probably involves a FBP. (P for Press)

My local specialist changed one of mine years ago using a FBSH ( Slide Hammer!)
As you say, no need for geometry.
Having said that, definitely if it ain't broke ............

JW

[ianmorrow]

Ok thank you all . If it’s not broke don’t fix it . I hear this loud and clear. Thanks again