Front wheel bearing replacement question

[LannyL81]

I removed the races from the rotor and then went to install the new Timken bearings/races, A3 outer, A5 inner....but found that the bearing race installation tool taper did not match-up to the race taper on the outer race; it would not fit completly inside the race then against the race lip...instead it made contact with the inner race surface. The inner race fit fine.

Well...that is not going to work...sure do not want to mar the race surface.

So went hunting for a diferent tool to use. Went to two parts store with old race in hand only to find all were the same. Had one parts store pull a outer wheel bearing off the shelf (an A3) and it was smaller than the one I had. The race installation tool fit it perfectly....but was not going to fit the car.

So what gives here? Is there something special about the A3 outer wheel bearing on our cars???

 

[bill81vette]

I would use a socket that fits over the race without going into the bearing mating surface,and hammer away till it's seated where it belongs.

 

[Peer81]

Like Bill says, use a socket or roll the old race over a sandpaper machine so it will take a little off. Then you can use that one as protection above the good one
But to answer your question, I never used a special tool to install them, always found some thing that worked on my own

Groeten Peter

 

[LannyL81]

Yeah...I just used the old race....new one went in fine.

BUT.....
why is the A3 at the parts store smaller than the A3 I ordered form Baris??

That is my main question?????????????????????????????????

Thanks for the replies.

Lanny

 

[bill81vette]

Mismarked perhaps,or they gave you the wrong one???

 

[heavyd]

Having worked in the bearing industry for years I can tell you that the A3 Bower/BCA and the Timken SET3 interchange and have the same cup and cone part numbers. If someone had a smaller one it is obviously misboxed. Always check the individual numbers on the cup and cone to be sure you are getting the correct set. Some sets can use the same cone with a different cup of course giving you a different set part number.