Rear Wheel Bearing install

[kerryb]

I discovered some play in the rear wheel bearings. The book said, "when in doubt, replace!" So I ordered new bearings from All Balls, used the "Split-Bolt" technique to drive the old ones out and went searching for the best method to install the new ones.

After a bunch of reading, guessing what the tool in the manual might look like, and fearing the worst...this is what I came up with.
A block of steel turned on the lathe to just smaller than the size of each bearing. This block has a 1/2" hole in the middle so it can slide on a 1/2" rod which guides the 3/4" pipe impact driver handle.

There is an aluminum spacer to keep the 1/2" rod in the center of the bearing.
There is a round block of wood in the other bearing hole to center the rod in the wheel.
The whole mess is mounted in the best solution I had to keep it upright while I slid the 3/4" pipe up and down the rod to impact drive the bearing into place.

Now the questions... Is the bearing center to be in contact with the bearing spacer (in the hub center) when the job is finished.

How far do I drive the bearings in (they are in the freezer right now), Till they hit the stop in the hub?

Is there a better side to start with? brake side or drive side?

Anxiously awaiting your guidance...

 

[dan filipi]

I haven't done rear bearings yet so can't speak of stops or center collar but the 83 wheel I have here, both bearings are flush with the hub outer ends.

In all the bearings I've ever set, they would always be driven to the inner stop, same when there is a bearing race.

 

[slabghost]

I use a big socket flat side to the bearing and a hammer to tap it to the stop. That way if the bearing gets in uneven you can tap the socket on the high side to even it.

 

[Denver]

That's the way mine were done, when I replaced them on my 1500.Just like Dan said as far as any bearing's i've ever replaced. Before the first one is set look, there should be a shoulder to stop on at least one side. Then the spacer will stop the one on the other side, if there's no shoulder there. Your set up looks way better than it needs to be, but a very nice job.

 

[kerryb]

Well it all worked as planned. froze the bearings, heated the hub, 5 good hits with the slide hammer and the bearing was home. flipped the wheel, reassembled the stack with the spacer inside. 5 or six good hits with the slider pipe and the 2nd bearing touches the center spacer. Put in the brake side seal...we're done! All the effort of making the driver was worth it.

Thanks for the advice and now we're on to the next task in the never-ending list.