Pulling rear bearing race from hub?

944_science · 03-18-2010, 04:23 PM

So I removed the rear hub with with a slide hammer and the outer race of the wheel bearing came with it. I know there is a "bearing separator" tool but couldn't find it at the local parts places. Anyone know where I can get one or how to get the race off???

Thanks

John169 · 03-18-2010, 05:24 PM

Arnworx.com

944_science · 03-18-2010, 06:05 PM

Thanks John, I was actually using your DIY on wheel bearings as a pictorial guide, very helpful. I already have a bearing puller but where did you get the separator to remove the race???

944_science · 03-19-2010, 06:03 AM

Apparently Harbor Freight has everything, - Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices

BTW, bearings were shot. Can't wait to get everything back together!!!

Brando · Brando's Garage

Be sure to keep your replacement bearing in the freezer (sealed in a bag) up until the moment you are going to install it.

Go over the inside of the trailing arm (where the bearing goes) with some fine crocus cloth or a very fine hone. Get it nice and warm with a heat gun (hot to the touch), put a little bit of moly lube on the outside of the bearing and pop it right in. Hold it in place until the bearing is firmly set.

944 Ecology · 03-19-2010, 12:57 PM

Actually, you don't need a bearing puller to remove the race from the hub.

Use a propane torch to heat the race, evenly on all quadrants, then use a brass drift to drive the race evenly down the hub. You can also, just for the first mm or so, use a chisel to get the race started down the path. Be careful not to damage the hub...

944_science · 03:44 PM

Thanks for the info guys. I caught the back edge of the race with a pickle fork and gave it a whack with a hammer to break it loose. I can see now that the race would have come off using a drift because it took minimal force with the puller. Cleaned up everything as suggested and the frozen new bearing slid in about a third of the way by hand, pressed it in fully with the puller.

If only everything kept going so smoothly, but no such luck. I'm trying to seat the hub into the new bearing using the axle nut but the torque needed to drive the hub into the race seems to be increasing exponentially so I stopped. If I pull the hub and the race comes out, can I put the bearing back together and reuse or is it shot??