Rear Hub/Bearing Question

[jjscott]

I need to put new rear seals in my 60 Bugeye. I have the rear hubs off. It appears the bearings need to be removed before the new seals can go in. The bearings would come out the wheel (outside) side, then the old seal comes out, again, toward the wheel side. Then new seal in, then bearing, right?

I'm at a loss as to how to remove the bearing. There does not seem to be a way to get to the back side of the outer race. If I try to drift it out against the inner race, I'm pretty sure it will ruin the bearing. I thought about heating the hub in the oven then knocking the lug side against a wood surface and hoping the bearing will drop out.

Help and suggestions appreciated. Jim

 

[Gerard]

You will need to drift out the bearings. Whether you can get them out without damage will remain to be seen. Typically, this job is not done with replacing the bearing. The cost of the parts vs the labor is too little to not do it. That said, I have removed many without damage, but you may find they are worn anyway. You can use a large socket if you don't have a drift. I would use a press or a large vice rather than pound on them. You have a better chance of pushing them out square that way. Also, see my article on the subject:

https://gerardsgarage.com/Garage/Tech/rearAxleSeal.htm

 

[jjscott]

Thanks Gerard. I put a little heat around the circumference of the hub and used your suggestion of a socket on the bearing. A few taps and the bearings were out. I think they came out undamaged but need to do a thorough cleaning to be sure.

Jim

 

[Gerard]

Sounds like unless you have previous wear, you should be fine.

 

[bug_sixty]

Rule... If you tap on a bearing.. replace it.. It is the least of the total expenses... If there is just alittle ding on the race your bearing is toast..