TheAvgBear

Hey all,

So my allroad desperately needed new wheel bearings. I bought new F. A. G. bearings, and I decided to get new hubs as well since I would have it all apart. I am doing this job at home. I have looked all around town for bearing puller/install kits for press in bearings (similar to the one shown here on ECS: PAT-1501 - Wheel Bearing Replacement Tool Kit - 24 Pieces - ES#1306825) with no luck at all. The video for that kit shows the guy doing it with the knuckle/ spindle still on the vehicle. This is how I would really prefer to do it bc I have read some horror stories about that pinch bolt and I dont the necessary tools if i run into any problems, and I really dont feel like removal the knuckle lol. I currently have the axle out, the hub out and now have the bearing to get at. Do any of you have any tips or inside info from performing this job before? I was thinking of maybe going around town and buying a big long bolt, some sized circular steal plates or something and whatever else to sort of build a kit to help me remove and install the new bearings but I dont know how feasible that is? I just thought I'd ask to see what you guys have to say about it. I've been searching the internet like a hawk the last few days and haven't found much info that would help me, so anyth
ing that you guys may have would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.

Heres a pic of the bearing just for ****s!

Kneale Brownson

Hubshark
<img src="http://www.pbase.com/kneale_brownson/image/105198812.jpg">

Prospeeder

Remove that snap ring and then use a hub bearing puller kit you can rent from a local parts store like orrileys or autozone.


Worst case remove the knuckle and take them down to the machine shop and have them pressed out and new ones in. The pinch bolt isnt that bad, some do get stuck but if the last person coated it with antiseize it will come right out no problem.

TheAvgBear

So I just wanted to give an update on this thread. Instead of purchasing a bearing puller kit or a hydraulic press, I went around town and got all the materials for to fabricate my own kit. I went to a place called Steel-Met, and they cut me a 3.5" diamter pipe that sits on the knuckle face surrounding the bearing (allowing a space for the bearing to be pulled into), they also cut me a piece of 1/2" thick steel plate and drilled a 1" hole in the center for me (all together the pieces cost $16). Then I went to the Bolts & Supply house, got a 6.5" by 7/8" big bolt, with corresponding nuts and washers, and one big washer to fit on the backside of the bearing (all together cost $7).

Here is a pic of the setup installed:




I thought I had a great plan, and was gonna finally get this thing out as my idea came to fruition. But, I guess the bearing requires a lot more force than I anticipated to pull it out because it started to bend the steel plate



So I dunno what to do next. For a few days before attempting this I would soak the perimeter of the bearing on both sides with some Liquid Wrench. Do any of you have any tips or ticks for me to try to help get this thing moving with this setup? I may go get a thicker steel plate and give it one more go. Or am I chasing a false hope, and should just man-up and tackle that dam pinch bolt to remove the entire knuckle? Thanks!

Prospeeder

Its a lot of force, my air gun is rated at 1100 ft lbs and it spins so slow pulling the bearings out with a hub bearing puller tool. The tool is really beefy as is the bolt. I would be surprised if your nut or bolt wont just strip its threads. If they get stuck, I will tap on the knuckle with a hammer and it helps jar it loose.

Outtyinmeaudi

Remove assembly, take it to a shop with new bearing, $50 bucks and an hour later you have a pressed bearing, reinstall, so worth it, oh and probably an alignment,

daof4

Being a shade tree mechanic, and always up for a challenge
Like you said Double up your steel plate,
Use a fine thread bolt if you can find one as it wont strip the threads as easy, Like Prospeeder mentioned
Put a good bit of pressure on the bolt (sorry Puller) and give the strut a sharp rap with a hammer between the caliper mounting bolts
With a bit of luck the vibration will help it move
Good luck

WillDig4

Would heat and cold help? Make an ice disk to fit inside the bearing in your freezer with a hole for the bolt. Assemble and put tension on the bolt, then put heat on the hub with a torch. No idea if this will work. Good luck!

MrKid

Yes, try some heat to the outside of the knuckle. You want to heat that area, without heating the bearing. If you manage to get it out, put the new bearing in the freezer overnight, then heat the knuckle again before you try to press it in.