Front Wheel Bearing R&R

[cn90]

In the youtube video, during installation, they hammered the OUTER race using the OLD bearing, so no damage to INNER race.

[cn90]

For removal, I have seen people use a dremel or grind stone and cut tge Outer race, thus weakening it. Or use heat.

[andrewwynn]

Originally Posted by cn90

For removal, I have seen people use a dremel or grind stone and cut tge Outer race, thus weakening it. Or use heat.

I've also seen but knowing what I knows now it's just way way way easier to make a proper pusher with a 1" grade 8 bolt and some grease and an oilite bushing. It's not difficult to make and ∞ easier.

[andrewwynn]

Originally Posted by cn90

In the youtube video, during installation, they hammered the OUTER race using the OLD bearing, so no damage to INNER race.

Yes, but the inertia of the inner race will pound the ball bearings into the outer race with every hit. You risk damaging the bearing this way and I would not recommend it at all. It's just way too easy to use a big bolt or hydraulic jack. (Into do it without risk).

You could build a frame with some heavy lumber or some angle iron or just drill a hole through 4-6 sheets of plywood to get a strong enough plate to push the 8-10T. Use of some release agent like liquid wrench should help a bunch.

I'm not saying you can't roll your own, I'm coming from the experience of shredding three pricy 3/4" hardened push rods (well lubricated).pressing out three X5 front bearings with heat.

The math worked out to about 17T of force to remove and 12T to install (heated knuckle to 240f or 115 c).

The back bearing only needs the hub pushed in and out and is comically easier, the 3/4" rod has maybe twice the power needed and my 1" machine made me laugh when I used with the impact.

I'm hoping to get my new front bearing and install today. I'm going to try liquid wrench and measure the torque to remove it. If I can get it off with less than 200 ft·lb I can measure the torque and calculate the force.

I made a roller bearing to assist but only used for installing as it's not originally designed for axial loading.

[cn90]

Andrew,

Glad you have the 1" threaded rod and you drilled the holes in the adapters bigger to accommodate the 1" threaded rod. Most people don't have access to 1" threaded rod, let alone drilling the holes bigger.

I am talking about the average Saturday mechanic with basic tools.

Re hammering the Outer race. I have replaced some AC Pulley bearings and other bearings by hammering on the Outer race (using the Old bearing as an "adapter"). Zero issues over the years.