Bearing cup

I am in the process of replacing my front axle wheel bearings. Can I just beat the heck out of the old cups to get them out?! Do I need a special tool.

 

They should drive or press out, without other special tools. But I would do it cautiously, so as not to damage the hub.

 

So a standard and a mallet? Lol

 

Clean the hub so you can see everything. With a punch and small hammer, tap the bearing race out slowly and evenly. Don't let the punch ride on the bore or you will peen the surface each time you tap the bearing. Extreme caution should be used when driving in the new one using a punch or you may damage it.

 

use the old cup and a piece of wood with a mallet to drive the new one in carefully. this way it helps to go in straight

 

I use a 1/2 inch copper rod as a drift punch. The copper is softer than the steel of the hub, also it won't damage the new bearing race driving it in.
A piece of aluminum will also work for this.

Don

 

Copy. Thank you. I'll try to find my patience lol

 

FWIW I use a brass drift similar to djbutler so as not to damage any steel surfaces.

 

Yes, brass is also good for this.
One thing to remember, using a hardened steel punch for this is inviting shattering or chipping the bearing cup. Not only will you need a replacement, but the pieces may end up in your eye for which there is no replacement available.

Don

 

I once saw a guy knock the race out using a special (steel) punch. It had a curved notch such that it would contact the race but not the hub. Not sure if he bought it that way or made it from a regular punch. Seemed like a very good way to do it. I just use a round brass punch (not very expensive at NAPA).