Need some tips for installing new rear bearing races

[RF_Burns]

So I've got new Timken bearings to install in the rear wheels and need a few tips.

I put the races in the freezer for a couple of hours, then I tried one outer and it seemed really tough to install. I used the old race as a driving
tool. I put a bit of grease on the hub to help, but maybe there is not suppose to be any lube put there?

Also did it on the concrete floor sitting on a piece of hardwood which is not perfectly flat so it was bouncing a bit... maybe that is part of my
problem?

Any suggestions for this farmboy mechanic?

Thanks

--
Bruce Hislop
ON Canada
77PB, 455 Dick P. rebuilt, DynamicEFI EBL EFI & ESC.1 ton front end
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=29001
My Staff says I never listen to them, or something like that

 

[Carl Stouffer]

I borrowed a set of bearing race drivers from my mechanic friend. I think something similar is available from the cheap tool store.

https://www.harborfreight.com/10-piece-bearing-race-and-seal-driver-set-63261.html
--
Carl Stouffer
'75 ex Palm Beach
Tucson, AZ.
Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles,
Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member

 

[jerry sitzlar]

I used the cheap set from Harbor Fright. They worked OK.

Jerry
--
Jerry Sitzlar..... 77 Eleganza II, Twin bed, dry bath......
Lenoir City, TN (near Knoxville)

 

[robert mueller]

Carl,

Thanks a lot!

You just supplied a tool junkie with a hit!

Regards,
Rob M.
The Pedantic Mechanic
Sydney, Australia
AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
USA '77 Kingsley - TZE 267V100808


-----Original Message-----
From: Gmclist [mailto:gmclist-bounces] On Behalf Of Carl Stouffer
Sent: Tuesday, July 10, 2018 9:55 PM
To: gmclist
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Need some tips for installing new rear bearing races

I borrowed a set of bearing race drivers from my mechanic friend. I think something similar is available from the cheap tool store.

https://www.harborfreight.com/10-piece-bearing-race-and-seal-driver-set-63261.html
--
Carl Stouffer

 

[james wack]

I completed this job last November. In conjunction with bearings in the freezer, I set my hubs on top of the woodstove long enough to bring them up
to about 300 degrees. I imagine putting them in a conventional oven would work just as well if your better half doesn't mind. One race bottomed out
nicely on the second or third hammer strike. The second race didn't seat well and I ended up tapping it back out with a drift punch and discarding it
due to visible stress fractures - created by me while trying to beat it in. The second attempt (with new race) went in nicely like the first hub.
Even with the heated hubs and frozen races, I was a bit surprised at the force required to seat the race. These, or something like it are a must:
https://www.harborfreight.com/10-piece-bearing-race-and-seal-driver-set-63261.html

BTW, I will seek out a shop press next time given the investment in time to pull the wheels, clean everything up, source and purchase new bearings,
etc. (and considering what is riding on the outcome). Driving the races in with a hammer on my garage floor was the one step in the process that
didn't feel quite right.
--
Wackster - 1976 23' Crestmont
Baltimore, Maryland

 

[RF_Burns]

I got the races in. Next time I think I'll take the hubs to someone with the proper tools. I had the races in the freezer and headed the hubs with a
heat gun to about 65C.

I didn't give the oven method a second thought since I didn't want to end up living full time in the GMC.
--
Bruce Hislop
ON Canada
77PB, 455 Dick P. rebuilt, DynamicEFI EBL EFI & ESC.1 ton front end
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=29001
My Staff says I never listen to them, or something like that