front hub bearing

[91SHO]

What is the easiest way to get the front hub off? I need to replace both hub bearings. I am just going to buy the bearing and press the new one in. Just never had to pull of the hub before.
thanks

 

[twr]

A BFH and an assortment of sockets that you don't mind getting beat up a little. A table mounted vise makes things a little easier. I would highly recommend replacing the hub too.

For re-assembly - if you don't have access to a press - put the bearing in the freezer for 30 mins. and heat the bearing area of the knuckle up with a torch (not to hot) Assemble quickly. For the hub, place the hub in the freezer for 30 min and assemble quickly - do not heat the bearing/knuckle assembly - unless you feel comfortable doing it.

 

[ThrillSHO]

There are a couple of options that don't involve the brute-force-method.

1. Use a press. You'll be suprised how much pressure it takes to get it apart. Putting it back together you'll want slow steady pressure.

2. Use a machine shop. If you don't have access to a press, a reputable shop should do it for $20/side. Saves alot of agrivation.

 

[twr]

I had the local Napa intall my front bearing in their shop. They did the drivers side twice - I decided to do it myself after the second failure, not to mention I was in Albuqurque and low on funds. But yes a good shop should be able to install the bearing for you for $50 or less (each)

 

[pjtoledo]

91SHO:
What is the easiest way to get the front hub off? I need to replace both hub bearings. I am just going to buy the bearing and press the new one in. Just never had to pull of the hub before.
thanks

Do you mean just the center hub, or the entire spindle assembly? The splindle isn't that bad, remove and suspend the caliper, remove the upper pinch bolt,lower ball joint pinch bolt, and tie rod. And of course the big axle nut in the center, it's 1-3/16" or 30mm. What year is your SHO? If you have only the 10" rotors now would be a cost effective time to upgrade to either 11" or 11.6" rotors. It is possible to replace the bearings with the spindles on the car, need lots of huge shims, nuts, threaded rod etc.,but still have to pull the axle shaft and lower ball joint.

Perry Toledo,Ohio

 

[91SHO]

It is a '91 plus. I need to remove I guess the spindle or whatever it is that houses the bearing itself. I was just going to pull the housing for the bearing and take it to work take out the old one and press in the new one. I am not familiar with the termonolgy of the suspension. Sorry. If anyone could send a picture or offer good details I would greatly appreciate it. I have no problem doing the work just need to know what I have to do get the sucker off to the point that I can take it to work and do the rest. What is involved in the brake upgrade and what is the cost? This is only going to cost about $60.

 

[DHMag]

without using a press, i did one of my front bearings in 5 hours or so. about the only complicated tool we used was a side action rachet, used for cutting holes in electrical boxes. granted, the method i used was very ghetto, but it worked and i did not mind spending the time on it.

 

[pjtoledo]

91SHO:
It is a '91 plus. I need to remove I guess the spindle or whatever it is that houses the bearing itself. I was just going to pull the housing for the bearing and take it to work take out the old one and press in the new one. I am not familiar with the termonolgy of the suspension. Sorry. If anyone could send a picture or offer good details I would greatly appreciate it. I have no problem doing the work just need to know what I have to do get the sucker off to the point that I can take it to work and do the rest. What is involved in the brake upgrade and what is the cost? This is only going to cost about $60.

You need to push the hub out of the bearing first,,then remove the large retaining ring that you could not see because the hub was in the way,,then press the bearing out of the spindle. Because of that retaining ring you cannot press the bearing out of the spindle first!!! Assembly is reverse order,,press bearing into spindle, install snap ring, PULL not PRESS the hub into the bearing. Use a piece of 3/4'' fine threaded rod and some sockets,or washers, or big shims to pulll the hub into the bearing,,it's real easy.

Perry Toledo,Ohio

 

[pjtoledo]

pjtoledo:

91SHO:
It is a '91 plus. I need to remove I guess the spindle or whatever it is that houses the bearing itself. I was just going to pull the housing for the bearing and take it to work take out the old one and press in the new one. I am not familiar with the termonolgy of the suspension. Sorry. If anyone could send a picture or offer good details I would greatly appreciate it. I have no problem doing the work just need to know what I have to do get the sucker off to the point that I can take it to work and do the rest. What is involved in the brake upgrade and what is the cost? This is only going to cost about $60.

You need to push the hub out of the bearing first,,then remove the large retaining ring that you could not see because the hub was in the way,,then press the bearing out of the spindle. Because of that retaining ring you cannot press the bearing out of the spindle first!!! Assembly is reverse order,,press bearing into spindle, install snap ring, PULL not PRESS the hub into the bearing. Use a piece of 3/4'' fine threaded rod and some sockets,or washers, or big shims to pulll the hub into the bearing,,it's real easy. About the 96 brake upgrade, the great part is you can completely assembly the new(er) 94/95 spindles/bearings,hubs,caliper brackets/calipers/rotors on a work bench, then install the completed assemblies on the car. That way all you avoid nasty surprises and missing parts.

Perry Toledo,Ohio