Any auto mechanics? Or DIY guy,Have wheel bearing ?'s

[ProfitOfDoom]

Just taking a shot here and was wondering if anyone ever installed/removed wheel bearings?
From what it sounds like to me it makes me think of the gimbal bearing,and I havent installed or removed one of those either.
This wheel bearing is for a 99' subaru outback and they said it is a press in bearing. I asked the 2 part stores as I called around for the best price. I asked the first guy is this a major job or is this something I can take on in the driveway,He said Sure you can do it and it's not that bad you would just have to pry out the old bearing,then use something to cover the surface of the bearing and tap it in evenly with a hammer and thats pretty much it.
So I call the 2nd part store and asked the same thing and he said it's not that big of a job but I couldnt do it with out a hydraulic press. He also said that the overall job isnt too bad but I would need the press and couldnt be done with out it.
So as I said I never did one and dont know what to expect,I dont see why you couldnt tap it in with a hammer,unless the fitting is really Tight?
So if anyone could let me know if I could do this with a lil work and a hammer,Or is this something I would need machine shop tool for and shouldnt waste my time.

 

[techmitch]

You can do it, I can help!!! Got a few questions first. Front or rear? and yes press in means press in not hammer in. lets' start with getting the old one out....maybe we should start with that.

 

[JimG]

Not familiar with your particular job/vehicle, but I have removed and installed several bearings with my $100 Harbor Freight press. You can damage the bearing and/or race if you use a hammer. Usually when the say "press in" bearing you need a press to do it right.

 

[ProfitOfDoom]

This is the front wheel,yes any advice will help.
I went to harbor freight today and seen they had a small press for 80 bux. But my buddy has a bigger press in his garage I can go over there to use,Im uncertain on how you press them in,do you need a tool to use with the press?
But yes removing them would be a great start

 

[Gunn]

You are set then! Gotta love friends. You should be able to use the press to remove the wheel bearings too. If not, you'll have to pry it out. Don't worry about damaging the old bearing, just be careful not to damage the hub.

Your buddy should have some various sized pieces that will fit over the bearing and allow it to be pressed evenly in place.

For a outdrive gimbal bearing you use a hand-held puller to remove it and a hammer with appropriate tool to install it. A little bit different, but just as easy.

Good luck!

 

[tsquared1965]

Easy job, but ask your local parts store how much they charge for the press work it might be $25.00-$30.00 bucks. Sometimes the hubs are worn also, and they will have the tools to measure the hub. Also watch out for the axle being stuck in the hub I have seen to many guys try and hammer the axle out and ruin the threads on the axle. At the the shop we use a air hammer with punch tip to remove them when they are stuck. If you have any questions call me at my shop 732-424-2222 ask for Tony

 

[JUST PULLIN MY DINGHY]

:smt021Good luck with that ! some of these subaru axles are dam near impossible to get to pop out we had them stuck in the hub with heat and a press could barely get them out . you could also do it in the car if you pop off the hub remove snap ring on back side and hammer thru easier if you reinstall the ball joint to hold it tight . then sand and clean inside of spindle before install new one . put a lil grease around outside of bearing get a piece of threaded rod 3/8 or 7/16 and two nuts and big washers to fit the outside race of bearing and use that to pull new bearing back into spindle . put nut and washer on one end slide thru spindle from outside then from back put bearing and washer then nut and tighten outside nut draw in reinstall the snap ring then reinstall hub same way but make sure use a smaller washer to hold inside race of bearing from pushing apart . good luck if you get in a jam drop a line be more then happy to help. ps the old bearing race makes a good tool to use as spacer then you can use a flat piece of steel intead of washers that big might be hard to find .:thumbsup: