Removing a wheel bearing without a press can seem daunting, but with the right tools and techniques, it’s entirely possible. This guide provides a step-by-step approach to safely and effectively remove and install wheel bearings without specialized equipment.
Bearing Race Removal
Before starting, gather the necessary tools: a hammer, punch, gloves, safety glasses, a torch, and a piece of scrap wood. With the wheel removed from the hub, extract the seals and bearings using basic tools. Retain the seals for later use. The next step, removing the inner bearing races, presents a greater challenge.
To remove the races, apply heat to the hub using a torch until the bearing grease begins to drip. This heat application expands the hub, making race removal easier. Utilizing the punch and hammer, strike the race using the machined grooves in the hub. Alternate hammering on opposite sides of the race until it dislodges. Repeat this process for the remaining race(s). Remember to keep the old races for the next step.
After removing the races, thoroughly clean the hub, removing all grease, grime, and dirt. Take advantage of the hub’s heated state for easier cleaning. While clean, inspect the hub for any cracks or damage.
Bearing Race Installation
Preparing for installation, use a rotary tool, saw, or angle grinder to cut across each of the old bearing races. Place the new bearing races in a freezer for at least 30 minutes to allow for thermal contraction. Heat the hub again to encourage expansion.
Retrieve a frozen race from the freezer and quickly position it within the hub opening. In ideal scenarios, the combination of hub expansion and race contraction allows the race to drop directly into place.
However, if the race doesn’t seat easily, utilize the prepared old races. While some successfully hammer directly on new races, this carries a risk of damage. Instead, place an old race atop the new one and hammer on the old race. The slit in the old race prevents it from becoming lodged, and it distributes the force, protecting the new race. Work your way around the circumference, hammering until the new race is fully seated. This method can be time-consuming due to the old race potentially dislodging during the process. Repeat for the other side, reheating the hub as needed.
Alternative methods for inserting new races include using a length of steel pipe slightly smaller than the race or a large socket, provided you have access to materials with the correct diameter.
Final Steps
Once the races are installed, grease and insert the new bearings. Most modern seals are synthetic and can be tapped in using a rubber mallet. However, using old seals to protect the new ones during installation can be beneficial. With the seals in place, the wheel bearing replacement is complete. Remember to consult your vehicle’s specific repair manual for detailed torque specifications and any unique procedures.
