Front Wheel Bearing R&R

[Overboost]

Originally Posted by cn90

Does anyone know if local auto parts stores (such as O'Reilly, Advance Auto, Autozone) has a rental tool for the E53 bearing?

This is the one I ordered on advise from members. Less than $50 delivered

https://www.ebay.com/itm/23PC-Front-...53.m2749.l2648

[cn90]

Thanks for all the input.

Budget is not an issue, I can buy the bearing kit (HF or the kit in Blue Case as posted), I just don't want to hang on to a set of toll that sits on the shelf for the next 10 years.

This was why I asked about tool rental.

[cn90]

The video below is from an E46 3-series REAR bearing but it is exactly the same procedure as E53 X5 FRONT bearing.
Very nice video:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FX1Um9pmcQg

[cn90]

The video below is a bearing DIY for an ATV vehicle, but you can see Heat + Freeze trick
- Heat the knuckle with heat gun (or propane torch) really well.
- Bearing in Freezer overnight.

For this particular ATV vehicle, the bearing simply drops in with no effort! Unbelievable.

I guess if you use the same trick on X5, you probably need to tap it a bit using old bearing race. Probably no need for the bearing tool.

Can someone try this trick (Heat + Freeze) and let us know if you can get away without bearing tool?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=raJL-BK9WwU

[andrewwynn]

You cannot get enough heat differential to Easily install the bearings on the X5

There is only one bearing tool I've seen for purchase that can handle the front bearings without modification. It uses a 7/8" push rod. It could be the one above.


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[andrewwynn]

https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/b.../67213/5632404

This looks promising. See if they let you take out insurance against breaking.

[andrewwynn]

Originally Posted by Overboost

This is the one I ordered on advise from members. Less than $50 delivered



https://www.ebay.com/itm/23PC-Front-...53.m2749.l2648

That looks like the usual 3/4" pusher. If so it will not reliably remove the front bearing.

Possibly if you get some 8" 3/4" grade 8 fine bolts. Else drill them out and get a bigger bolt and it will work great



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[andrewwynn]

Astro Pneumatic Tool 78825 Master Front Wheel Bearing Adapter Puller Kit W/Grade 8 Drive Bolt https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01JBK2OJO..._sqz7DbDJG5T9D

That's the only one I recommend.

Good for 23T. The normal kits like ebY and HF sell are good for only 12T but if you get a Gr 8 bolt it will do about 17T and just about exactly what is required but will require heat to remove

[wpoll]

Originally Posted by cn90

… Can someone try this trick (Heat + Freeze) and let us know if you can get away without bearing tool?

I can confirm this works on motorcycle wheel bearing etc. (done it many times) but there's a bit more mass in the X5 parts!

When I replaced the rear wheel bearing on my X5, I DID put hub in the freezer for a couple of hours, while I bolted up the new wheel bearing etc. The rear bearing bolts to the knuckle, so no press required.

As I only did one bearing I can't say if cooling it made much of a difference (lack on comparison) but I can say the hub slid into the new bearing without much fuss and I wondered why I had purchased the bearing press tool.

The answer to that question is of course - the front bearing. Except this tool isn't large enough for the front.

[cn90]

Just read in another car forum that Autozone in the USA has similar bearing tool for rent!

Same 23-piece set as mentioned above.

The name is PowerBuilt FWD Bearing Remover and Installer Set 648741T.


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