looks like i need a special tool – a ring nut removal tool.

I’ve put on ad in wanted but has anyone got the correct tool they can lend me ? Obviously postage and beer money paid.

You only need the tool for the centremost bearing, which very rarely needs replaced- sure it needs done? All the other ones are blunt instrument jobs.

I’ve got the others out but the bearing in question is seized solid. Can’t think of a way to bodge it either.

there is a specific vice-tool which sits inside the ring drive and undoes with leverage from the wheel.

good bike shops should have them.

where are you in the uk?

I have two! Where are you? email me, address is in my profile.

Ambrose ygm

to remove – old 20mm axle (or similar shaped…..thing) + hammer

to install – some threaded bar + selection of different sized washers and nuts + the old bearings + a spanner

Ndthornton
Your advice would lead to a wrecked hub in this case. As stated above, the DT Swiss star ratchet system means the centre bearing can only be removed with the correct tool, which removes a steel’ ring nut’ . This sandwiches the inner bearing between the hub flange and the nut, which the OP knows. You can buy these from ebay for about £20

Ah – Iv never done DT Swiss to be fair

No mail as yet- hearne_ogwen52athotmaildotcom

I’ve sent you an email today about the hub tool . Can you get back to me as soon as possible. Thanks.

LBS only charges a tenner labour to replace hub bearings. Is diy really worth it in this case?