Replacing Cartridge Bearings without a Press.

Can it be done?

I have Campagnolo Khamsin wheels on my road bike and need to replace the cartridge bearings. I have the replacements but no bearing press.

I have a hammer and plenty of optimistic enthusiasm. What is the best way to approach this? If it all goes wrong I do have gaffer tape and zip ties so all will be good.

Long bolt and two big, flat metal plates?

Use the old bearings on top of top of the old ones to bang them in? A large socket would also work, making sure it only touches the outer race.

Freeze the bearings before fitting to make them shrink a little.

Hammer and Screwdriver(or preferably a punch) to remove and a small pin hammer to install the new ones. Worked for me on a lifetime of fitting bike, car and commercial bearings.

Go see Graeme at Happy Trails in Galashiels, he’ll have the right kit and he ain’t expensive in any way.

Facebook “Happy Trails Bicycle Workshop”

Right size socket and some studding/nuts/washers. Shouldn’t be too tricky. Just go steady and stop if it shows any signs of not going in straight

i have a 20ton press in the garage ….

still use threaded bar and washers to fit bike bearings.

threaded bar and sockets for me usually. Or hammer for wheels etc but I prefer to pull them in for frames, hammering bearings into frames is often awkward. People get precious about the “right tool” but tbf the “right tool” is generally almost identical to a socket, easier to use sometimes but doing the same job

The right size G-clamp through the spokes will also work, assuming you have some sockets.

I prefer pressing to hammers because it’s easier to feel the stop.

I am more relaxed about fitting the new ones, it is more about removing the old ones.

Go see Graeme at Happy Trails in Galashiels, he’ll have the right kit and he ain’t expensive in any way.

Good idea.

“I have a hammer and plenty of optimistic enthusiasm“

That’s all you need, ever.

Put the bearings in the freezer overnight before you fit them. Makes things a tiny bit easier

Hammer will get them out. Protect the end of the axle with something if you fancy it.

Remember to put the axle in place before fitting the final side, that’s usually the hardest part.

Technically? Yes….. emotionally? it depends…

Same size bearing as in pro 2 hubs. The Hope drifts work on the front hub and the main rear ones. The freewheel requires long-nose circlip pliers or infinite patience with 2 small screwdrivers to remove the bearings.