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Never done this as yet on my voyage of discovery on all things regarding bike mechanics.
Looking to change the bearings on a rear wheel (the hub is a 150mm Superstar). I have the replacement bearings on order, hopefully here today or tomorrow.
I got the 2 existing bearings out with a bit of brute force (rubber mallet and long handle torx driver). But they needed a good battering to get them out. My question is will the new bearings need the same amount of force to go back in fully seated? If so I'm pretty sure I shouldn't be battering them in the same way as the existing ones came out or they'll be damaged. Do I need to buy a press or can it be done carefully 'sans' correct tools like many other jobs I do...if so how?
If I do need a tool, any recommendations.
cheers
Usually, an appropriately sized socket is best for pressing bearings in, tap it with a mallett, and grease it up before it goes in. IME the first time you remove bearings from a hub, they can be very tight, then after that the process gets easier. 🙂
Getting em out is always more difficult IME, they push back in fine using a correct size socket - that matches the 'outer' race NOT the inner.
You can always pop the bearings in the freezer for a few hours first, and/or soak the hub in boiling water to help the process along
Ahh, cheers guys. Good advice again. I didn't even consider using a socket...there I was considering getting something fashioned up from hardwood or something 🙄
cheers again
ps Peter I got the clips for my specialized as well cheers. got them from Dave Mellor cycles as suggested by someone on the thread so all's good.
z1ppyYou can always pop the bearings in the freezer for a few hours first, and/or soak the hub in boiling water to help the process along
this makes a huge difference - well worth doing
ps Peter I got the clips for my specialized as well cheers. got them from Dave Mellor cycles as suggested by someone on the thread so all's good.
Ahh, good! I did have a look, I've got 3 spares and I wouldn't really have wanted to sell 2 of them to be fair! 🙂
TJ - cheers. Assume you mean stick the bearings in the freezer? I don't fancy the hot water option as the hub is part of a fully built wheel although I could always stick the wheel in next to the Mrs when she's having her bath tonight... 😈
I'll do the freezer bit. It works with headset cups so I suppose bearings will be the same!
Bearings in the freezer - hubs in hot water - all you need to do is tie a rag around the hub and pour boiling water over it