Recommend me a front axle bearing press

[Carl Spangler]

Greetings

Anyone have a rec for a decent (DIY level) front axle bearing press tool for a 71 C10? I think the 65mm is the standard size for the inner races on these axles. There are a bewildering number of these bearing tool sets available.

TIA

[Accelo]

Assuming you need a flat disk to press the outer bearing race in?
Like item 1 in the picture?

[oneshotkyle]

Originally Posted by Carl Spangler

Greetings

Anyone have a rec for a decent (DIY level) front axle bearing press tool for a 71 C10? I think the 65mm is the standard size for the inner races on these axles. There are a bewildering number of these bearing tool sets available.

TIA

Torches for spindle and freezer for race.

[MARKDTN]

You have a press and you just want the correct disc to put the race in?

I knock out the old race with a punch. Then take a cutoff saw and cut through the race. Clean it up on the grinder. Then use that upside down to press the new race. Generally you can pull that out with a pick and it is just the right size.

[Carl Spangler]

Originally Posted by MARKDTN

You have a press and you just want the correct disc to put the race in?

I knock out the old race with a punch. Then take a cutoff saw and cut through the race. Clean it up on the grinder. Then use that upside down to press the new race. Generally you can pull that out with a pick and it is just the right size.

I don't have a press. Was thinking of getting a set of round 'knock-in style' punches for the inner races. Your idea of using the old race sounds good if I had a press.

I was thinking one of these type of sets but the reviews are quite varied. ???
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...6SRZN4Q4&psc=1

[LockDoc]

-
That appears to be a metric set. Wouldn't you want an SAE set?
.

[Carl Spangler]

Originally Posted by LockDoc

-
That appears to be a metric set. Wouldn't you want an SAE set?
.

Possibly............ but I'm pretty sure the 65mm (2-9/16") is the correct size for the 1/2 ton disk races. Most/all of the sets seem to have a 65mm. I wouldn't be surprised if all of these offshore sets are in metric. Anyway, I just want to get a set that isn't total junk.......... hence the request for a recommendation.

[72c20customcamper]

Originally Posted by Carl Spangler

I don't have a press. Was thinking of getting a set of round 'knock-in style' punches for the inner races. Your idea of using the old race sounds good if I had a press.

I was thinking one of these type of sets but the reviews are quite varied. ???
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...6SRZN4Q4&psc=1

I have the Harbor freight version it’s worked great for the past five or so years .

[MARKDTN]

I don't like beating on races or bearings-or U joints. I know it is done all the time but I still don't like it. I would buy a press or make friends with somebody that has one. I suppose you could also use a piece of threaded rod, a thick plate, and the old bearing to get the new races in.

Both Harbor Freight and Northern Tool have a 12 ton press for $170. It's one of those tools that you don't use every day, but when you need it there is nothing else like it.

[LS short box]

Just a thought since its a tool won't? use much does Oreilly's have a tool you can "borrow" to do the work you want to do?

[72c20customcamper]

Originally Posted by MARKDTN

I don't like beating on races or bearings-or U joints. I know it is done all the time but I still don't like it. I would buy a press or make friends with somebody that has one. I suppose you could also use a piece of threaded rod, a thick plate, and the old bearing to get the new races in.

Both Harbor Freight and Northern Tool have a 12 ton press for $170. It's one of those tools that you don't use every day, but when you need it there is nothing else like it.

If you freeze the race in a chest freezer the races go in like butter . I have a 12 and 20 ton press from harbor freight never used either to install a race but I do use them for hub bearings . I did use the harbor freight tool with the press you can see the race installer in the first picture

[RustyPile]

I bought this Harbor Freight press almost 30 years ago.. I use it for everything including installing bearings.. I've rebuilt countless hubs and differentials. I even use it for a vise on occasion. The pretty orange paint has started to fade, but the damn thing is like the Duracell bunny --- it just keeps running and running...

https://www.harborfreight.com/12-ton...ess-70604.html

[Carl Spangler]

Thanks for the suggestions! I found a nice piece of angle steel in the garage corner and will pick up some 1/2" threaded rod and nuts for a homemade 'press'.

I'm not even sure if the bearings need replacing. ??? No noise/wobble in the wheels so maybe just an inner seal replacement. How can you tell if the bearings/race need replacing?

[Getter-Done]

Originally Posted by Carl Spangler

Thanks for the suggestions! I found a nice piece of angle steel in the garage corner and will pick up some 1/2" threaded rod and nuts for a homemade 'press'.

I'm not even sure if the bearings need replacing. ??? No noise/wobble in the wheels so maybe just an inner seal replacement. How can you tell if the bearings/race need replacing?

You can tell by a Visual inspection of the Bearing race most of the time.

The Outer bearing race will show the Most of the Damage/wear.

For an early detection/ a Person needs to look at the inner race of the Bearing.

Most of this wear shows up on the Roller bearings also.
The Roller wear is harder to detect.
Because they are trying to Mate to the Inner and outer race at an Angle.
This is because the wear is cause the preload to be (Sloppy).

Just a suggestion .
Spin the bearing by hand in the race by hand.
If you feel any Friction /Replace both of them.

[Jason Banks]

Visual or you can usually feel anytihing with a finger. Or use a shopping bag between your finger and the race, it helps amplify the feeling of defects.

Here's a bad one, but yours won't look like this. I just couldn't help but post. This is a Dana44 lower kingpin bearing.

[Carl Spangler]

Thanks again for the tips/advice/pics!

[PanhandleShantyman]

The $40 set from HF got me through a front end overhaul with a couple of race/bearing/seal replacements this month. It'd be nice to have a press, but I didn't find it necessary.

https://www.harborfreight.com/bearin...ece-63261.html