Topic: Wheel Bearing removal

[GizmoDuck]

Got the wheels totally taken apart but cant get the bearings to budge.  How do I get these out?

[flybox1]

once the bearing retainer is out, you will need to shift the spacer between the bearings just a bit so you can get purchase on one of the inner bearing races.  I prefer a punch and an BFH to get the job done.

[GizmoDuck]

Got the bearing retainer out by spreading needle nose pliers putting one jaw in each slot and spinning.  Now cant get the bearings to budge but I just found this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7VQnNfqJtA

[cb650]

I just had to heat the hub to get a set out recently. 

[Bodi]

Yes, stick a big screwdriver in past one bearing and pry sideways, the centre spacer will shift a bit revealing the bearing's inner race: use the screwdriver or a long pin punch to tap on that race from the other side. Once it moves a hair the spacer will flop around freely, work around the bearing tapping it out so it doesn't get cocked and jam. If you take out the one opposite the retainer first, the spacer will come out the hole and you get a clean shot at the other side - the spacer won't fit through the retained bearing hole.

[przjohn]

Got the bearing retainer out by spreading needle nose pliers putting one jaw in each slot and spinning.  Now cant get the bearings to budge but I just found this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7VQnNfqJtA

You are on the right path. With all due respect to the slide the spacer over and use a punch recommendations it is far easier to use a couple of common tools to bang the bearing out from the center race. You don't need to usually buy a special tool or anything either. If you have an old screwdriver and a large drift punch you can wedge them in the center of the bearing and pop the bearing right out, heat helps out but you don't need a ton, maybe a couple of minutes on a propane or map gas torch.


Here are the tools you need, a large drift, an old screwdriver, a torch, and a hammer.




Here is a hub with the punch and old screwdriver jammed together from both ends.




Warm up the outer race a bit a one good wack on the hammer pops it out.




After the bearing is out simply wiggle the screwdriver and drift apart.




Just a side note here. For years I just used 2 old screwdrivers instead of a drift. Anything that will wedge in there will work.

[evanphi]

Hey that is a good idea! Just a note though... don't re-use that bearing!

I plan on using a 5/8" concrete sleeve anchor to do about the same thing.

[chewbacca5000]

I heat the hubs to 220F and they come out very easy no matter what method you use.  Heat helps alot.  Pit Possie has a tool similar to your video and it work great.

[GizmoDuck]

Still working on it got the sleeve anchor and the 1/2" is too small and the 5/8" is too big.  Will try the screwdriver method.

[przjohn]

Hey that is a good idea! Just a note though... don't re-use that bearing!

I plan on using a 5/8" concrete sleeve anchor to do about the same thing.

Yup bearings are NG after removal. One other thing I do is to take the seal off one side of a new bearing and add a high quality grease on one side only. The grease they put in when almost all bearings are made is very minimal. Pop the seal back on and you have a well lubed bearing, but not over lubed. Another tip is that after you have finished rebuilding your wheels go to the fridge and crack a beer. Then, step back and admire your work. Of course this tip works well with many methods, not just bearings.

[flybox1]

Still working on it got the sleeve anchor and the 1/2" is too small and the 5/8" is too big.  Will try the screwdriver method.

WAIT...its been a day and they are still not out? 
PUNCH.  HAMMER.  HIT HARD.  BEER.
get to work, man! 

[Johnie]

Agreed...punch, hammer (big hammer) and hit it hard. Never had to use any heat on any of my bearing removals. Maybe I was just lucky, but this is the same way we took out the car hub races back in the 70's. Never needed heat then either. Good luck and let us know how you come out.

[Duke McDukiedook]

Blind bearing puller from HF works like a charm for me.

[evanphi]

Blind bearing puller from HF works like a charm for me.

But that costs mooooooney. (70$ for those intersted).

Probably works faster and more efficient than any other way, of course!

[GizmoDuck]

Wedged two big screwdrivers in there and popped them right out!  Thanks for the tip!  New bearings installed!

[Duke McDukiedook]

Blind bearing puller from HF works like a charm for me.

But that costs mooooooney. (70$ for those intersted).

Probably works faster and more efficient than any other way, of course!

It is worth every penny if you have a few bikes when you have to pull bearings when you change the tires or powdercoat a rim.

[GizmoDuck]

Any tips for getting the front bearing retainer back in?  Came out fine but cannot get it to screw back in.  Why can't I find a tool for this?

[Johnie]

Make sure the threads are clean on both areas. The stake areas can cause some difficulty.

[GizmoDuck]

Finally done with bearings.  Check my build log for pics.  I bought a Motion Pro bearing retainer tool for the rear wheel, no idea why one isn't available for the front.  So I improvised getting that one back in



Any recommended videos/posts on how to stake the retainer with a punch?

[evanphi]

Any recommended videos/posts on how to stake the retainer with a punch?