O/S/F Wheel Bearing

[Mirage-]

My o/s/f wheel bearing is in severe need of replacement.  The local "Motosave" quoted me ?50 fitted but at the moment I don't have a spare ?50.

Champion, GSF and the likes are all quoting me similar prices for a wheel bearing kit ?15ish so was thinking about doing the job myself.  Do I need any special tools (mate said something about some bearing having to be compressed?) or is it just a case of hammer, chissel and patience?

Thanks in advance

Ian

[golfvr6]

if you have a hydraulic press then you will be ok  

[lowgolf]

I did mine using a hammer, a really big socket and a vice. Using the hammer and socket to knock it out, then used the vice as a press to put it back in again.

[modulater]

I would get a VAG bearing.

Its easier on a press if you get the hub to one.

[Mirage-]

So do I NEED a press?

For the rear bearing we used a lump of wood and a big hammer to knock the new bearing into place.

Ian

[golfvr6]

I wouldn't recommend doing the front bearings without a press.

[Mirage-]

Will the vice idea work for the fronts? - my dad has a bench vice in his garage.

If not where would I get a press and what sort of cost am I looking at? pointless getting it if it's gonna cost me more than ?50 since that's what I've been quoted fitted!

Ian

[lowgolf]

i did both of my fronts with a vice, you just have to take care and make sure u wind it in straight.

[vaughn]

 you might be able to do it with a vice, but if you take it all to bits and it wont come out you`ll be pissed off, see if any local garages near you have a press, so if you struggle ask them to press it out

[richandhazel]

I'm fortunate enough to have access to a hydraulic press at work and have used it a few times for that job. I've heard its possible to use a vice and even a club hammer but I wouldn't recommend it unless you're desperate. Ask your mates, you might be suprised to learn that someone has access to said hydraulic press.