Techniques for driving bearing races in

[cmyers_uk]

I have just purchased some new wheel bearings and their races. How do I drive the races in, is it gently tap with a soft bar or is there a trick or two?<br /><br />Regards<br /><br />Chris

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Techniques for driving bearing races in

either use a brass bar or here we can buy aluminium driver kits for about 15 dollars. but over the years I have seated many with the 3/4" round brass bar

 

[cmyers_uk]

Re: Techniques for driving bearing races in

Rodbolt,<br /><br />Thanks for the quick response. I have looked at the driver kits overhere and they want $70 - $100 for a nine piece kit which is more than I want to pay especially as my bearings are US inches and the kits are all metric!. I will try the brass bar and large dollops of care.<br /><br />Regards<br /><br />Chris

 

[djvan]

Re: Techniques for driving bearing races in

Throw the races in the freezer (in a zip lock bag) overnight. This will shrink the races slightly, thus allowing the races to be driven in easier. It may not be really noticeable but it helps a little.<br /><br /><br />DougV>

 

[BoatBuoy]

Re: Techniques for driving bearing races in

Local auto shop. $5.00 ea. Well worth it.

 

[Pascal]

Re: Techniques for driving bearing races in

I use a length of square key stock to drive bearing races into the hub. It is soft and won't score the race if you slip. Also, cheap and easily modified for special purposes.<br /><br />I've been told that brass punches are bad for bearing assembly because any fragments that happen to stay in the assembly can "plate" the race surface and remove the required end play in the bearings. Steel does not respond the same only pits the races. <br /><br />JD

 

[cmyers_uk]

Re: Techniques for driving bearing races in

Thank you all for the advice. I am going to try the freezer approach it seems a logical way forward but one that I hadnt considered. Im going to give it a try and then if its to difficult Ill take boatbouy's advice.<br /><br />Thanks again

 

[Bradg]

Re: Techniques for driving bearing races in

I use the old race. Took the old race to grinder wheel and took enough off the outside diameter so it would just slide into the hub freely. Use a punch on the old race once farther into hub.

 

[cmyers_uk]

Re: Techniques for driving bearing races in

Bradg, Nice Idea. They went in this morning by using the freezer method followed by tapping them in with a soft steel bar not the best I know but all happened with no drama.<br /><br />Thank you to all who responded. Bradg Ill keep that idea for next time thanks

 

[Bigfun]

Re: Techniques for driving bearing races in

I use a large socket, 24-28 mm metric, I forget which.