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Kevin in NJ · 05-11-2010, 10:17 AM

Use the old bearing to set in the new with a hammer.

They should be a snug fit. It is not uncommon to find a hub where the race has spun. If the surface of the hub where the race goes looks shiny then the race has spun. A good surface will have kind of rough machine marks. First try to wiggle the bearing in by hand, I had one hub you could set a bearing in by wiggling.

Before you put the bearings in you need to inspect for burrs. The bottom shoulder should be flat. Use the end of a file to check for burrs and clean the edge. Visually check that the race has fully seated. If in doubt try sliding a .001" feeler between the shoulder and the race. You should not be able to insert the feeler anywhere around the edge.

Remember to fully fill the new bearings with wheel bearing grease. This can be done the old fashioned manual way in the palm of your hand. The grease should be fully packing the cage. You can look up this method on the internet.

You will not distort the drums inserting the races. You can distort the races if the rim contact points are not level. If your wheels have powder coat or paint on the two contact 'rings' that is not even then you can cause the drum to distort. Sanding the two "rings" to metal will make them level.

05-11-2010, 10:17 AM	#2
Kevin in NJ Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: South East NJ Posts: 3,398	Re: Fitting New Front Hub Bearings Use the old bearing to set in the new with a hammer. They should be a snug fit. It is not uncommon to find a hub where the race has spun. If the surface of the hub where the race goes looks shiny then the race has spun. A good surface will have kind of rough machine marks. First try to wiggle the bearing in by hand, I had one hub you could set a bearing in by wiggling. Before you put the bearings in you need to inspect for burrs. The bottom shoulder should be flat. Use the end of a file to check for burrs and clean the edge. Visually check that the race has fully seated. If in doubt try sliding a .001" feeler between the shoulder and the race. You should not be able to insert the feeler anywhere around the edge. Remember to fully fill the new bearings with wheel bearing grease. This can be done the old fashioned manual way in the palm of your hand. The grease should be fully packing the cage. You can look up this method on the internet. You will not distort the drums inserting the races. You can distort the races if the rim contact points are not level. If your wheels have powder coat or paint on the two contact 'rings' that is not even then you can cause the drum to distort. Sanding the two "rings" to metal will make them level.