Did I Just Do Something Stupid?
 

As part of my suspension rebuild I decided to replace the rear wheel bearings on my '86 Carrera which uses the one piece bearing. This is definitely not a job for the faint of heart. In fact, I would go so far as to say if you don't have any problems with your rear wheel bearings, just leave them alone! Anyway I got the wheel bearing in using heat and cold. Put the banana arm back into place. Went to slide the hub on and discovered it needs to some how be pressed into place. I was tired and not really thinking (I now know I should have used the long threaded rod and washers and pull it into place) so using a block and a 5 pound sledge I just hammered the hub back on. Took a lot of hammering. I torqued the stub axle nut on properly. The axle rotates freely with no sticking or wobbling. Now I am starting to worry if I caused any damage to the wheel bearing by hammering the hub on. I really don't want to pull the hub if I don't need to. What say the gurus?

generally, your method would push the inward half of the inner race out of the bearing, damaging the seal and the balls. maybe you got lucky. if it's quiet, leave it, if it doesn't last, you know how to fix it.

That's why you should just go inside when you're tired and there's an accesible big hammer, it always seems to get utilized. "When the only tool you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail".:D I don't know who coined that phrase, but those are true words of genius. Go with it, if something feels funny you'll know where to look

Kurt....I hope you sleep well tonight....after going through this myself I cannot imagine pounding on the bearing like that and I'd fear the balls would pop out the back side. I hope it works out for you.

Good luck!

-b

I have been told that hammering on the bearing puts small pits on the balls from contacting the race and they eat them selfs up in time

Drive it and see. If it makes no noise, you won the gamble. If it makes noise, the special all-thread rod tool set can R&R this bearing fairly easily. I've used a hammer many many many times when the right tool was a press. Usually got away with it. Sometimes no.

You sound too much like me! Anyway, from what I have read I am surprised I didn't knock out the backside race and bearings. I think I am going to just drive it and see what happens. The thought of taking it all apart a second time just makes my stomach hurt.