Tips for replacing front wheel bearings?

[The73vetteman]

Thought it would be a good idea to replace the bearings while I'm putting on new rotors. Drove out the old races (is that the right term?) from the hubs then realized I'm not sure of the best way to fit the new ones. They look like a tight fit. Do I just hammer 'em in or is there a better way?

'73

 

[IH2LOSE]

When you say hammer them in .All your doing is re installing them carefully .

I use a brass punch and lightley tap them in untill they are full seated You set the race then install the bearing you dont install the race by hammering on the bearing.

The idea of a brass punch is that brass is softer then the steel.Most auto parts store have a race installing tool all it is is a tapered cone like punch that makes it easeyer to keep it even.

Make sure you purchase new seals.

and have fun packing the bearing with new grease.I used to always hand pack them (put a scoop of grease on the palm of your hand then push the bearing into the scoop of grease in the palm of your hand spinning the bearing once the grease comes out the other side)I just recently purchased a bearing packing tool and it was worth the twenty dollar I spent on it.

Good Luck and be safe

 

[Red69]

I don't know about the brass punch, but the idea is to drive the race into its seat with even pressure. Uneven pressure can torque the race so it is no longer symmetrical with the bearing. The proper tool, a bearing driver, will do this. In a pinch, you can use a large socket that mates with the outer ring face of the race and drive it in with a plastic face hammer. Be sure it is properly seated before installing the bearing. Tapping it in by striking the race in a circular motion around the circumfrence is a gamble that can result in bearing failure.

 

[80convertible]

I replaced my bearings when replacing my rotors also. If I remember, I used a large socket and as mentioned, keep even pressure on the race. You can rent various tools from autozone at no charge. They may have a tool specifically for this. I also purchased a bearing grease packer from autozone for about $10.00. You simply place the bearing between two cones that mate together. Then you connect your grease gun to the top of it. Grease flows into the bearings nice and even while forcing old grease out. Took about 30 seconds per bearing and no mess! Most importantly, make sure you preload the bearings properly. I think it is 12 ft-lbs, but double check. Also I spun the rotor while doing this.

 

[mike weyman]

i've always used a small block of softwood that is just larger than the bearings.tap it in very lightly with a hammer in a circular motion(tap the high spot). if you are careful, you will not damage anything as this is all i've ever done, and have not had to re-buy a bearing seal.mike

 

[RMS73]

You can always cool the cup, outer race, in the freezer and the cup should slip right in. Make certain that the rotor housing is clean, I mean clean, before inserting the cup. The cone, inner race, cage & rollers, can be heated if needed for it to slip on the spindles. Do not place the rotor on the spindle until the bearing components have reach room temperature. Verify the required endplay or roller clearance before inserting the locknut cotter pin. The roller clearance may not be able to be measured, upon second thought I don't believe the bearing componenets can be accessed once the rotor is placed on the spindle. You'll have to measure the endplay or use a preload torque on the locknut.

Roger