13 replies to this topic

[fokko]

Hi, is anybody using specific tools to install the front wheel bearing outer races (disc brake type in my case)? I'm talking about a press (either hydraulic or mechanical) and/or an installation disc (something like the picture below) to spread the load. I used to be using an old outer race with a hammer to get the new one in. Although I did this carefully, I figured it might distort the new race. Anyone has good experiences with specific tools? Or anyone can confirm that my current method is not a problem?

 

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[nicklouse]

Never used any. 

[fokko]

Never used any. 

So how do you do it?

[Spider]

I have that very set you have pictured here and I've found it great.

 

Although it is designed to be used with a knock-o-meter (hammer / mallet) I use them in the Press.

 

Great for getting them in square all the way, I'm not so concerned here with distorting the Cup, but having the Cup pick-up on and damage the Hubs.

 

It's also brilliant for fitting most seals too, just turn the bearing adaptor over and bingo, a seal install tool.

[Cooperman]

I use a slightly linished down old outer race and a hammer. Never had any problems with doing this.

[fokko]

I have that very set you have pictured here and I've found it great.

 

Although it is designed to be used with a knock-o-meter (hammer / mallet) I use them in the Press.

 

Great for getting them in square all the way, I'm not so concerned here with distorting the Cup, but having the Cup pick-up on and damage the Hubs.

 

It's also brilliant for fitting most seals too, just turn the bearing adaptor over and bingo, a seal install tool.

Thanks for your info! I'm only wondering what your setup looks like when pressing in the outer race. You'll need to support the hub somehow. How do you do this? Do you have a picture of it?

[nicklouse]

 

I have that very set you have pictured here and I've found it great.

 

Although it is designed to be used with a knock-o-meter (hammer / mallet) I use them in the Press.

 

Great for getting them in square all the way, I'm not so concerned here with distorting the Cup, but having the Cup pick-up on and damage the Hubs.

 

It's also brilliant for fitting most seals too, just turn the bearing adaptor over and bingo, a seal install tool.

Thanks for your info! I'm only wondering what your setup looks like when pressing in the outer race. You'll need to support the hub somehow. How do you do this? Do you have a picture of it?

 

all you need is a bar or tube(s) that will sit on the central spacer or the outer race then all is lined up.
 

[fokko]

all you need is a bar or tube(s) that will sit on the central spacer or the outer race then all is lined up.
 

Yep, that is what I thought about as well, just curious if people have a clever solution for this... You'll need something that is quite accurately the same diameter as an outer race or the central spacer.

[Cooper Mac]

I do it the old way, brush the bore and the Bearing OD with Copperslip, then use a punch and hammer, and tap (tap, NOT hit!) the bearing in. I tap at 90 degrees around the bearing to get it started square in the bore and then you can do lots of small taps, while working your way around the circumference bearing.

 

This also has the advantage that there is a change in pitch when the Bearing Race is against the seat, so you know you have the race in the correct position!

[monkey]

I do it the old way, brush the bore and the Bearing OD with Copperslip, then use a punch and hammer, and tap (tap, NOT hit!) the bearing in. I tap at 90 degrees around the bearing to get it started square in the bore and then you can do lots of small taps, while working your way around the circumference bearing.

 

This also has the advantage that there is a change in pitch when the Bearing Race is against the seat, so you know you have the race in the correct position!

 

I recently changed a front wheel bearing as was advised to install it dry, if you lubricate the outer edge of the outer race you risk it spinning in the hub during normal use and buggering the hub

[cal844]

I use a light spray of wd40 on the hub face, then tap the bearing in square to get it started... Finish pressing it in on the press

[Spider]

I use Bearing Mount Loctite on the Cups, it does 'lubricate' them while they are going in and then assists in holding them fast once in location. I keep it in the fridge, which I'm told gives it a longer shelf life and it does slow does it's retaining reaction when using it.

 

 

 

all you need is a bar or tube(s) that will sit on the central spacer or the outer race then all is lined up.
 

Yep, that is what I thought about as well, just curious if people have a clever solution for this... You'll need something that is quite accurately the same diameter as an outer race or the central spacer.

 

 

I press in the Inner Cup first, just laying the hub flat on it's nose, then to get the other side in, I have a short length of pipe (I think it's 2-1/2" Water Pipe off hand) that I put square ends on to in the lathe, to support the hub while getting the Outer Cup in.

 

Sorry, you can't see the Pipe Piece here, but, this is how it sits in the press when stood on it

 

[fokko]

I use Bearing Mount Loctite on the Cups, it does 'lubricate' them while they are going in and then assists in holding them fast once in location. I keep it in the fridge, which I'm told gives it a longer shelf life and it does slow does it's retaining reaction when using it.

I press in the Inner Cup first, just laying the hub flat on it's nose, then to get the other side in, I have a short length of pipe (I think it's 2-1/2" Water Pipe off hand) that I put square ends on to in the lathe, to support the hub while getting the Outer Cup in.

 

Sorry, you can't see the Pipe Piece here, but, this is how it sits in the press when stood on it

That makes sense, thank you! Didn't know about the outer race possibly rotating in the hub, so it's good advice to use that specific loctite!

[no66]

Punch and light taps on bearing I mount, motorbike engine / wheels, mini hubs etc. 

I put bearing in the freezer and lightly warm the housing, bearing usually drops right in with little effort.  

Edited by no66, 26 August 2020 - 09:01 AM.