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Dave Todd
06-20-2000 12:12:59
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Re: Front Wheel Bearings in reply to Ron K 2N/NAA, 06-20-2000 11:12:47
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Ron, The way I have always done it, is to remove the cotter pin, nut, washer and outer bearing. Then put the nut back on. It doesn't have to be all the way on, but I like to have some threads sticking out the end it. Grab the hub and slide it out until the nut contacts the inner bearing. I then push it back in just a little and then give a quick jerk. It may take a couple tries, but this will usually pop the seal out. Then you can remove the nut and slide the hub off the spindle. Once the seal is removed, the bearing will come out. I have never had much luck in saving a seal, and was taught to always use new seals anyway. It's more important when you have brakes involved such as on a car. Now you can clean and inspect the bearings and races or cones. If you deside to replace a bearing, I was also taught to replace the race or cone also. To remove the race, I use a brass punch, and you drive the race out from the inside. Once you clean things up a bit, you should see, inside the hub, there are a couple of spots that are cut out. Put the punch against the race in the cutout area and with a good size hammer start driving the race out. Alternate from side to side until you get the race out. I usually hit it a couple times then go to the other side and smack it a couple more times. Do this until the race comes out. Also, do this on a flat surface, and not in a vise. To install a new race, get it started in the hub, making sure the larger opening faces out.
Use the punch and start driving it in the hub. I run the punch around the race when doing this. A couple hits then move the punch a little and hit it again and so on until the race is all the way in and seated. Then you can install the bearing(after greasing it). Then install the seal in about the same manner as the race except you don't need to use the punch. Just don't hit things too hard either. I prefere lots of gentle taps as apposed to a few hard smacks when doing this. This is not the only way to do this job, but it's how I was taught to do it. It has always worked good for me. One more note. Keep things clean. Good luck and have fun!!
Dave
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