Installing new races

[cougar15]

I am getting ready to replace bearings and seals on my trailer and although I have read a lot about how to pack the bearings, I have not seen much about how to remove the old races and install new ones? <br /><br />This is my first boat and my first time servicing a trailer. How hard is it to remove the old races and install a new set? Will I need special tools? My neighbor suggested going to an auto parts store and having them press the races into the hubs but I have called a few places and none of them say they can do it. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[craze1cars]

Re: Installing new races

I drive them in and out with a perfectly sized 1/2 or 3/4 inch drive socket. Be careful not to nick the sides or damage the races themselves.

 

[brine]

Re: Installing new races

Usually they can be tapped out with a steel punch and the new ones can be seated back in with a socket as crazcars said. I turned a chunk of nylon to size and put them in with it and a hammer. Shouldn't take too much force if you clean the crud out of the hub well. Don't use solvents..they tend to linger and can affect grease.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Installing new races

Clean the inside of the hub and you will find a couple of notches behind the race. Use a brass or steel drift punch to drive the races out. When installing new ones, put them in your freezer for a couple hours to chill them (they shrink a little). Be ready to install one immediately. Rest it squarely on the hub and using a hardwood block, drive it into the hub. You will then need a socket or similar tool (I use a cast iron pipe fitting) to drive the race fully into the hub. Use the hardwood block to drive in the seal in the same fashion. No need to chill it however.

 

[Plainsman]

Re: Installing new races

I bought the races at NAPA and they did for free for me.

 

[Almeja]

Re: Installing new races

I use a brass or bronze drift when driving out bearing races. Reduces the chance of damaging the machined surfaces of the hub.

Socket or purpose-built driver is nice for putting them back in.

I also put a TOUCH of never-seize on on the mating surfaces between the races and the hub when re-assembling. Too much is no good.