Wheel bearing diagnosis.

[jimtash]

Today I replaced one of the front wheel bearings because I suspect it was the cause of a clunking noise. When pressing out hub, the inner race facing it went out with it instead if remaining with the bearing. My question is the bearing shouldn't come apart like that should it? And my hunch was correct that indeed the bearing was faulty?

To get the remainder of the bearing out, I took out the inner race and inserted it into the opposite side.

 

[TimboSHO]

I've pressed hundreds of bearings out, and about 90% of the time the inner race will stay on the hub. I don't know if it's an indication that the bearing was bad, as all of them I've pressed out have been bad, but if there was any play in the bearing, it would cause it to come apart easier.

 

[jimtash]

I'm doing both front bearings so I'll have a better indication tomorrow when I replace the other side. Curious to see if it separates as well.

 

[jimtash]

Well the clunk is gone I think. The other hub was a pain to get out and I ended up having to cut it so it would fit the press. This one wouldn't come out entirely with just the puller like the opposite side. Also felt and sounded very rough when I spun it by hand before removing it. Internally, it looked dry and slightly rusted. Hopefully it fixes everything.