Removing front wheel bearings from hub

[Jim_Gruber]

Got any suggestions for removing front wheel bearings from the hubs. I seem to recall the last time I did this the results were me chasing ball bearings all over the garage coming up several short.

thoughts are place hub in a box to capture ball bearings just in case driving out results in bearings separating from carrier. Planning on using wooden dowel to drive out unless someone has a better suggestion. These are from a mid 70's Spridget.

 

[TexasSprite]

I wish I had your problem. Mine just fell out. Either they are .016 undersized or the hub bearing pocket is wallowed out.

 

[Jim_Gruber]

They may simply be held in by old dried grease. I do recall a tedious garage search coming up 2 bearings short. Did not get to that piece of the project last night.

 

[Rut]

Jim,
A big plastic bag is your friend when doing this. I like to put the hubs it the parts washer and get the bearings really clean before pushing them out.
Rut

 

[Jim_Gruber]

Rut,
Well I looked around my garage and a parts washer unfortunately is not to be found. Will need to improvise.

 

[Gerard]

Jim,

The wheel bearing need to be driven out by the outer race, especially if you plan to reuse them. You'll need a long thin rod or snub nose punch to do this. You will need to enter from the opposite bearing and catch the edge of the outer race where it extends from the hub casting. There are actually two angled cutouts, 180 degrees apart, to give you a better purchase area. You'll have more room though the rear bearing, so do the outer first.

I just remembered about the spacer. You'll need to knock out the center race of the outer bearing first.

I use a long 1/4" dia. steel rod. Cleaning out the grease so you can see better will help. Work both sides evenly.

I'll attach a pic shortly.

 

[JPSmit]

big slotted screwdriver works too