"Bearing Outer Race" Re-installation at Passenger Front Hub Extension

[pkmh]

Hello again, Forum.


My last posting involved issues on how to remove my rear bearings on a 67 Austin Healey. All went well and everything's back in place. Thanks again for all the help!


The purpose for the above as well as for all other wheels on the car is that I am replacing all 4 outer hub extensions on the car as part of installing all new spoke rims and tires. So now my challenge seems to now shift to the front passenger hub.


I was able to remove everything thus far with respect to the passenger front outer hub extension (brake rotor and both race bearings, together with their shims and spacer, etc.).


As defined, I still have one, “Bearing Outer Race” to remove from the interior portion of the hub extension and which is for the larger race bearing. So far and with success, I have been able to tap out the “Bearing Outer Race” from the exterior portion of the hub extension (for the placement of the smaller race bearing). See first photo above.


My problem seems to be getting the existing “Bearing Outer Race” to properly seat inside the new hub extension. It is suppose to end up inside and butting up against the flanged portion (as was found before on the existing hub extension). I've tried using a hand held sludge hammer, using it to strike an ideal sized socket that fit completely and perfectly over the race, but succeed going in only so far. And the race will not end up at the flange like in the old hub extension. I've also tried freezing the outer race, (using a freezer only, not dry ice) then striking again. Still the same results, about ¼ of the way, only. I provided a photo showing how the race is not butting up against the flange (the flange having a notch cutout visible in second photo above). I also find that trying to install the race back on the old extension also stops about ¼ the way in. Of course, I am not going too crazy striking the heck out of the outer race in fear I might create damage to the race, etc. Seems getting the race out was a lot easier than getting back in.


Is there a secret? What about the use of dry ice on the race? Or, what other method has worked? I would like to think this can be accomplished in some way and in some do-it-yourself technique (I've had machine shops blunderers destroy other hubs I've had in the past and don't want to go there if can be avoided).


Hopefully, another terrific idea can come from this and as always, thanks so much in advance for any input available.


Paul
67 Healey

 

[steveg]

I had good results by freezing the races in my freezer and heating the hubs in boiling water or in a gas grill. I've used the harbor freight bearing and seal drivers; also appropriately sized pvc pipe or fittings.

 

[roscoe]

I replaced all my splined hubs last year and the front hub outer races were easily installed with the use of a heat gun. I did chill the races but i think heat is the ticket. Take the time to make the hubs too hot to touch, youll need gloves and Bob will be your uncle. I also have a non-hydraulic 1 ton arbor press and it was no strain putting the races in. The press is Harbor Freight unit I've used for many other projects but I think if you work quickly, some light hammering should do the trick. As I recall one almost dropped into place.

 

[British_Recovery]

Draw it in with appropriate washers on a heavy threaded rod or long bolt with nuts, as you heat the hub, if necessary.

 

[bob hughes]

I must say that I did not have the sort of trouble that I am hearing about and I have done mine several times for various reasons. I did use the old outer race to help drift in the new, but I did chamfer the old race a tad so it could be easily removed. Just an ordinary hammer gently tapping all round to keep things even, if it cocks a little then you will have problems.



Bob