Possibly a stupid question, but having taken the hub off to replace the wheel bearing, the bearing halfs (shells?) that remain inside the hub look perfect, no scoring or damage whatsoever. So, can I just replace the bearings themselves (i.e. the half with the roller bearings in)? thanks
The new inners aren't guaranteed to match the old outer races. Knock the outers out and knock your new ones in - doesn't take long.
why would you not change the ring? what would you do with a spare ring? If it's pressing the old one out that's worrying you, you just need to punch it with a hammer and it's out. I use a matching size socket with a cotton rag between them and a vice to press the new one in. you can use a hammer, but someone will tell it's not a good idea to hammer on your tools or your bearing, even though i've done it many times with no problems, i use a wooden block to protect it. Changing just the half will have more psychological consequences than it might do damage, every sound the wheel makes will have you thinking in panic that something is going wrong because you bodged it. I'd change it at least for peace of mind.
tried knocking them out with a screwdriver & hammer but doesn't seem to want to come out - have given it a bit of wellie but not gone mad - maybe I am not giving it enough clout?
what sven said.... did the bearing over heat at all, hasnt gone blue or anything?? they should knock out without too much effort. Lump hammer and a decent chisel not a wood chisel or a screw driver. when youre knocking your new ones in make sure you only hit the outer edge. do it a bit at a time tapping at 12 o'clock, 3 o'clock, 6 oclock and back to 12 o'clock positions.
bearing looks ok - shell looks mint, although I haven't wiped the grease off the bearings themselves. Loads of grease inside the hub and it looks relatively new. Think it's defo the bearing though as the humming goes off when you are going round a bend. There is only a small edge exposed to knock the bearings out with so i'll grind down a chisel to try and get some grip. Could I knock the old ones out with the correct size socket? Also, when I drift the new ones in, should I just be drifting in the out shell of the bearing rather than the whole thing, then put the inner bit in when the shells are driven home? i assume knocking in the bearing whole will put stress on the bearings.
The bearing halves are matched sets. Get yourself a piece of Brass rod 1/4 inch dia and use it as a drift, not chisels etc. Its easy just drive it out and the new ones in, keeping the cup going in square. You must only tap the outer cups , keep the races and seals out of the way, until the new cups are fitted A spot of grease or engine oil helps. Tony
I've seen a fair few new bearings out of the box that have been bad ones... grumbling noises and clicking ones too!! The main thing to make sure you do is to pack the bearing well with grease before you fit it!! As it takes awhile for the grease to work into it otherwise!!
job done, and easy enough once I plucked up enough courage to give it some wellie - thanks for all the advice chaps.
