I'm changing the rear bearings and right off I run into a snag. While trying to break the axle bolt loose the axle spins. Is there a trick to stopping this from happening? It's in gear with three tires on the ground. In fact, It kinda feels like I'm turning a lawn mower engine by hand. It is tough to turn then releases a little, like I'm fighting engine compression. I doubt I'm that strong to turn the engine over though. So what is the trick?

Thanks

98' B5 Quattro 1.8

 

I'd bet you are turning the engine over, the behavior sounds exactly like that.

Is it too late to put the wheel back on? This may be the only option... normally we strongly suggest pulling axle bolts prior to lifting the car.

 

yeah. that's no problem. I was going to try that next. thanks for the help

 

Safest option is to put the wheel on with the center cap removed and go from there. Another option is to have a friend stand on the brakes while you brake it loose.

 

dropping it back down worked out great. Wow, that thing was on there.

Now, does anyone know what the black line/wire is on the front? i want to remove the entire spindle to have the bearings pressed. its about 1/4" thick and runs forward into the car. its attached to a rubberish square about 1"x1" on the forward side of the spindle. i can't see anyway to disconnect it.

ok, it might be the "ABS wheel speed sensor" according to the manual. But the book shows a round one. mine is square. but its in the same spot. do i just pull it out?

 

Yep, wheel speed sensor. Carefully wiggle it out. I have grabbed them with a small vice-grip and gently, gently, gently twisted and turned and pulled them out.

 

Rather than pulling the sensor, I would recommend unplugging the sensor from the car. There is a rubber grommet in the wheel well on the cabin side. If you pull that out, the plug is right behind it. My experience with attempting to remove the sensor from the upright is that I destroy the sensor.