The Ford Barn

BobbyG · 05-19-2013, 01:27 PM

Hi guys - removed mt front wheel bearings today as they are worn to excess and grumbling.

I usually just get a socket ( or the old race) that fits and press them in using the bench vice, anyone got any pointers & tips on pressing in new bearings - only I want to get this right 1st time.

Bob

19Fordy · 05-21-2013, 11:12 AM

Bobby, What year and make vehicle? Sounds like you know how to press in the races. Just be gentle and keep them straight.

Mike51Merc · 05-21-2013, 11:44 AM

I use a brass drift with small hammer taps in a circular pattern. Works everytime for me.

Lawson Cox · 05-21-2013, 02:34 PM

I use the old race. Set it squarely on top of the new race and tap the new one in using a circular pattern. Just take it easy and make sure it is straight. No sweat.

ken ct · 05-21-2013, 02:47 PM

Me too. Just make sure the step is clear of any dirt,grease etc. must be clean so the race is not cocked when home. ken ct.

ford3 · 05-21-2013, 02:56 PM

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i have never used a press, just put the race in the hub and tapped it in, just dont cock it while installing it, tap all the way around keeping it even, when all the way in use a punch to make sure it is seated, as was posted tap all the way around, tap one side then the oposite side, moving about an inch and do it again, its very important to have the race seated

dwick01 · 05-21-2013, 05:26 PM

Might be a dumb question, but how is the best way to get them out?

ford3 · 05-21-2013, 11:11 PM

most hubs will have a notch behind the race that you can put a punch in and drive the race out, if there is no notch there the race will have a lip higher than where the race is, the lip is high enough to get a punch on to drive it out, to find the notch you will need to clean out all the grease to find it, you will be able to feel the notch with your finger if you run it around the back of the race, either way it will need to be driven out

dwick01 · 05-22-2013, 06:16 AM

Thank you ford3. Great information for a novice, such as I.

31chevy · 05-22-2013, 06:32 AM

I also use a brass drift, as MIKE51MERC said. With brass you will not damage the race.
Gary.

05-19-2013, 01:27 PM	#1
BobbyG Senior Member Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 240	Fitting new front wheel bearings today Hi guys - removed mt front wheel bearings today as they are worn to excess and grumbling. I usually just get a socket ( or the old race) that fits and press them in using the bench vice, anyone got any pointers & tips on pressing in new bearings - only I want to get this right 1st time. Bob

05-21-2013, 11:12 AM	#2
19Fordy Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Coral Springs FL Posts: 10,969	Re: Fitting new front wheel bearings today Bobby, What year and make vehicle? Sounds like you know how to press in the races. Just be gentle and keep them straight.

05-21-2013, 11:44 AM	#3
Mike51Merc Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Northeast Pennsylvania Posts: 1,582	Re: Fitting new front wheel bearings today I use a brass drift with small hammer taps in a circular pattern. Works everytime for me.

05-21-2013, 02:34 PM	#4
Lawson Cox Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Above the gnat line in Georgia Posts: 7,009	Re: Fitting new front wheel bearings today I use the old race. Set it squarely on top of the new race and tap the new one in using a circular pattern. Just take it easy and make sure it is straight. No sweat. __________________ Life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer to the end, the faster it goes. It is better to be seen, than viewed. "We sleep safe in our beds because rough men stand ready in the night to visit violence on those who would do us harm".

05-21-2013, 02:47 PM	#5
ken ct BANNED Join Date: May 2010 Location: stratford,ct Posts: 5,971	Re: Fitting new front wheel bearings today Me too. Just make sure the step is clear of any dirt,grease etc. must be clean so the race is not cocked when home. ken ct.

05-21-2013, 02:56 PM	#6
ford3 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: oroville calif. Posts: 1,453	Re: Fitting new front wheel bearings today Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) i have never used a press, just put the race in the hub and tapped it in, just dont cock it while installing it, tap all the way around keeping it even, when all the way in use a punch to make sure it is seated, as was posted tap all the way around, tap one side then the oposite side, moving about an inch and do it again, its very important to have the race seated

05-21-2013, 05:26 PM	#7
dwick01 Senior Member Join Date: May 2013 Location: Wellington, Kansas Posts: 444	Re: Fitting new front wheel bearings today Might be a dumb question, but how is the best way to get them out?

05-21-2013, 11:11 PM	#8
ford3 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: oroville calif. Posts: 1,453	Re: Fitting new front wheel bearings today most hubs will have a notch behind the race that you can put a punch in and drive the race out, if there is no notch there the race will have a lip higher than where the race is, the lip is high enough to get a punch on to drive it out, to find the notch you will need to clean out all the grease to find it, you will be able to feel the notch with your finger if you run it around the back of the race, either way it will need to be driven out

05-22-2013, 06:16 AM	#9
dwick01 Senior Member Join Date: May 2013 Location: Wellington, Kansas Posts: 444	Re: Fitting new front wheel bearings today Thank you ford3. Great information for a novice, such as I.

05-22-2013, 06:32 AM	#10
31chevy Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Lake City Mi. Posts: 807	Re: Fitting new front wheel bearings today I also use a brass drift, as MIKE51MERC said. With brass you will not damage the race. Gary.