Trailer bearing race replacement -tip,tricks,tools???

[hawilson2]

Any tips, tricks, or special tools that would make the replacement of trailer bearing race's any easier? I have a 1 3/8 by 1 1/16 tapered shaft? Any ideas or suggestions welcome. Thanks in advance.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Trailer bearing race replacement -tip,tricks,tools???

If you feel around the back edge of the race you will find two or four notches. Use a 3/8 diameter drift punch to drive the race out. Work around the race. Don't simply pound in one spot. You need a bearing driver to drive the new races in. Or most auto stores will press them in for you at a very nominal charge.

 

[kamby]

Re: Trailer bearing race replacement -tip,tricks,tools???

Yes, hammer, screw driver, center punch, big socket.


Hammer and punch remove the seal with screw driver. Drive the races out with a screw driver and hammer or what silvertip uses. Use old race to partially set new race, (dont get old one stuck, make sure new one in right way). Repeat other side. A video on etrailer shows a good way to do it without any fancy pants tools or setting jigs. http://www.etrailer.com/tv-repack_trailer_hub_bearings.aspx good luck bud

 

[The_Kid]

Re: Trailer bearing race replacement -tip,tricks,tools???

Use old race to partially set new race, (dont get old one stuck, make sure new one in right way).

I take the old race and grind down the outside of it so it slips in and out easily and then use it to set the new one. Also, if you put the new races in the freezer for an hour or so, they will drive in easier.

 

[kamby]

Re: Trailer bearing race replacement -tip,tricks,tools???

I take the old race and grind down the outside of it so it slips in and out easily and then use it to set the new one. Also, if you put the new races in the freezer for an hour or so, they will drive in easier.

Thats a good idea never thought to grind down the old one. Same with the freezer idea. THe only problem i can think of with the freezer is it might warp the metal when it contracts, but i never tried it so who knows... Thanks for the tips...

 

[Utahboatnut]

Re: Trailer bearing race replacement -tip,tricks,tools???

The bearing/race driver is the way to go, I know around here you can get them at auto parts stores for like $5.00 for a couple hours use well worth it. Leave the hub bolted to the tire and rim it's much easier to work with that way, or get some 2x4 to use as holding blocks. If you have a large brass drift pin that is the best to get the old ones out with no chance of damage to the inner of the hub, plus you can rework the tip easily when finished. If the old ones aren't totally junk I like to keep a set for a just incase roadside repair, wrapped up well in a ziplock and kept in the tool box may save you when you need it most.

 

[The_Kid]

Re: Trailer bearing race replacement -tip,tricks,tools???

Freezing won't warp the race. It's a common practice when installing an interference fit race or bearing. Some folks even use dry ice.

If you really want to get something cold put dry ice in acetone. The acetone will get down to -78 ?C. I wouldn't do this on a race or bearing, but back in high school science class we froze all sorts of things in it. Dip a flower in it and then drop the flower on a table and watch it shatter.

 

[willieboy]

Re: Trailer bearing race replacement -tip,tricks,tools???

Freezing won't warp the race. It's a common practice when installing an interference fit race or bearing. Some folks even use dry ice.

If you really want to get something cold put dry ice in acetone. The acetone will get down to -78 ?C. I wouldn't do this on a race or bearing, but back in high school science class we froze all sorts of things in it. Dip a flower in it and then drop the flower on a table and watch it shatter.

Everclear (95% Ethanol) works as well, and then you can make dandy frozen drinks with it. Though I would not want to drink it after I soaked autoparts in it, LOL.

 

[kamby]

Re: Trailer bearing race replacement -tip,tricks,tools???

Everclear (95% Ethanol) works as well, and then you can make dandy frozen drinks with it. Though I would not want to drink it after I soaked autoparts in it, LOL.

Ahh everclear, the only liquor i seen that says to keep away from flamable sources, did play a fun joke on a buddy one time i orderd a shot ever clear. Never seen him puke that much before...​

 

[AZSenza]

Re: Trailer bearing race replacement -tip,tricks,tools???

I can change a set of races in 10 minutes with a brass drift, large socket and a hammer. Race drivers are a great tool if you dont already own large sockets (they can get expensive) and in my profession we almost always install a "Race" chilled in liquid nitrogen or MEK and dry ice (dry ice and acetone or alcohol works almost as good. I've never seen one warp in over 20 years.
Before you do it, take a close look, youll see there is just enough of the race visible to get a drift on it. Hit it on one side, then the other, then in between. by the 2nd or third blow it should come out with force. When driving the new ones, be CAREFUL not to get it in crooked. Hit the socket or driver squarely.