Front Wheel bearing question

[RastaRobb]

Hey fellas,

I am changing out the wheel bearings in my 84 k20. Is it necessary to replace the race that the bearing sits in at the same time? I am assuming the old ones need to be pressed out, and the new ones pressed on. Is that correct? Thanks.

[rwhit57]

We are talking about the races in the rotor correct? If so you can take a punch and knock those out. After cleaning everything up good I carefully drive the new race in using the old race to seat them, then take the punch and tap the old one out of the way.

[irishman999]

I could only replace the outside race, I have no clue how to get the inner one out. I used a seal driver kit from Harbor Freight to get the outside race.



You can do it with just a punch also, you might get nicks in the outside edge though.

[RastaRobb]

"[QUOTE=irishman999;5100964]I could only replace the outside race, I have no clue how to get the inner one out. I used a seal driver kit from Harbor Freight to get the outside race."

You can separate the rotor from the hub by pounding the lug studs out. Once they are removed, the rotor comes free, and it can now be removed. I didn't know if you could do it with a punch or have to have them pressed out.

[RastaRobb]

We are talking about the bearing races in the rotor. That is a perfect picture posted by Irishman999. I am curious if it is even that necessary. ?

[rwhit57]

If you are asking if it's necessary to replace the race when replacing the bearings. My answer would be yes, more often than not the race will have considerable wear. If you just replace the bearings and retainer you are only replacing half of the bearing.

[donut]

I was told years ago, if your going with new bearings, replace the race. If I'm just re-packing, then I'll use the old races.
The inner race, I've just used a longer punch and driven it out from the outside. (Through the outer bearing hole) or you can take it to a shop and have them pressed out.

[RastaRobb]

Good ideas. I did get a long punch, and slowly worked them off, and replaced them. I am sure that is going to be a much better way to go. Thanks for the help.

[rwhit57]

Originally Posted by RastaRobb

Good ideas. I did get a long punch, and slowly worked them off, and replaced them. I am sure that is going to be a much better way to go. Thanks for the help.

Good job. Glad to be able to help a little.

[Gordonr1973]

Originally Posted by RastaRobb

Good ideas. I did get a long punch, and slowly worked them off, and replaced them. I am sure that is going to be a much better way to go. Thanks for the help.

That's the way to go on bearings, replace everything at the same time (if not repacking current ones) and if you are doing one side, do the other as well.