Wheel bearing races

Hello all!

What is the best way to get the old bearing races out and the new ones in on the front hubs? Long screwdriver and a mallet?:)

Bryan

I would use a punch instead of a screwdriver, you don't want to gouge the metal that the race comes in contact with. If you do you, be sure to use a file to knock off the high spots or you'll probably have trouble putting in the new races or could possibly crack the new one while attemping installation.

X2 on a punch - try to get / use a brass one that's soft. Note there are two slots in the hub behind each race that allow you to get a good purchase with the punch. Did this last week and it was quite easy....

What Elfis said. Use a proper punch, not a screwdriver!! There are recesses on two sides of the hub ID. Set the punch in the recess and it rests against the bearing race. Tap the race out carefully a little on each side so it doesn't jam.

Punch as is suggested x ~ or whatever....

a punch is the best way a brass punch is an even better way less likley to scratch any of the surfaces use a couple blocks of wood or a vice to get the race all the way out be sure to cushion the brake surface from any contact if you use a vice so not to damage you breaking surface
stephen

A bearing race driver set is the best bet to installing the new ones. They are not expensive, but if you may be able to rent a set from the local auto parts store.

You can also use the old races to drift the new ones into place. Just MAKE SURE when you put the old race on top of the new one you have the THICK SIDE (smaller ID) DOWN. The new one will install with the thin side (larger ID) up. Tap it down till it bottoms, then punch the old one out from the other side. It might also help if you freeze the new races.

Or grind down the outer surface of the old race. That way it doesn't stick in the hub.

Or just pickup some fender washers with an OD matching the race to push the new race in (as someone here previously indicated). Attached the washers to a long bolt to bang it in, or, in my case, I used a block of wood on top of the washer. Worked great.

Use a punch to drive them out, to put them back in get a 2 3/8" outer diameter galvanized water pipe coupling for inner bearing drift( 2 3/8" measured at the lip and then ground down slightly for a perfect fit) and a 1 5/16 " socket for outer bearing drift. Works great every time.

Thank you all so much. Punch it is. Will go out for it/them. Sure they come in sets. Pictures are worth the proverbial words:)
Thanks.
I had the GT at optimal temp today for the first time in a while. When I goosed the gas, started to sputter again. Time to change out the
fuel filter at the pump. I have not yet and my clear one under the hood is getting its share fo rust. Sitting since 2002:(

Bryan