how to install wheel bearings?

[import600]

can anyone give a basic step by step as to how to do this? I've never installed them before and would love to do them myself.

I'm puting them onto 73 spindles with discs. thanks

kyle

[FoMoCo]

Very easy. Remove every thing from the spindal. Make sure if your using used rotors to knock out the old bearing races. New bearings should come with new races. Be sure to get a seal driver at the parts store. The one I bought was about 7 dollars and looks like an aluminum handle with several different plates to fit different size seals and bearings. It's important to use this tool because it will drive the race straight down and prevent a warp or crack. Next, smear wheel bearing grease on the race and set the rotor assembly asside. Next, with or with out a glove put a dollop of bearing grease in the palm of your hard. Then take your new bearing and press it into your palm. It's hard to describe but the objective is to force grease into the bearing. Finally, reassemble. Several things to remeber, never used compressed air on any bearing, and never use break cleaner or other cleaning solvents. Finally, tighten to 7 ft/lbs.

Nick

[import600]

Thanks FoMoCo, thats a lot of the info i was looking for but also, What order or where does each bearing go?

I have one seal which is for the back of the rotor, then 3 bearings, small, medium and a large one. Then I have one sleeve that fits the smallest bearing.

I couldn't find any schematics to show the order. any help would be great.

[theskytoucher]

OK first each wheel only takes 2 bearings!
Here is a diagram of the way the parts go together
http://www.fordification.com/images/sch ... brakes.gif
they are kinda hard to see but it should help!!!!!

[390Nut]

You only need two bearings. The large one goes on the inside of the rotor/drum, and the small one goes on the outside. Quite simple, really, the hardest part is getting the races out and new ones pressed in. A brass drift is what I use, a seal driver works as well as long as it's aluminum (wont scratch or dent/bend the race).

Just match the new bearings with the old ones during reassembly, and make sure to keep them clean; don't get any dirt in there or your new bearings wont last very long.

[import600]

Ok so my bad completely. I went to take a second look at the rotor yesterday. The races were already pressed in it. Hard part is done for me. haha.

[Wes]

I know where Fomoco is coming from, when he says not use any cleaners on bearings. Thinking that any remaining solvents will degrade the grease. I would much rather clean bearings, no dirt/debris to sand/grind down my bearings. I do not believe the remaining dried solvents will be enough to dilute, properly packed w/ quality grease bearings.
Also you may use compressed air to dry your bearings, just don't allow then to spin up.

Kyle you should add grease to the hub as well fill the space between the 2 cups/races leaving a hole for the spindle. A light coating. of grease in the dust cover too.

[layedout72]

say i disassembled everything up front (which i did) would the races have come out? I know all the bearings did, but when I clean out all the old grease, (how do i do this) do I need to get anything pressed? everything was in good shape....

[ToughOldFord]

If all you're doing is cleaning, greasing, and re-assembling then the races do not have to come out. You only take them out when you're going to replace them.

[slucent]

Ok - HELP! I am replacing the bearings on my 68. The front wheel bearing pops right out but the back one - will not just pop out. There appears to be a rubber retainer(Circular) of some sort - -Should I pry this out!?

[ToughOldFord]

Tap it out by lightly by putting a punch, (I use a wooden one), through the bearing hole on the front of the hub and against the rear bearing and tapping it with a hammer.

[flyboy2610]

Ok - HELP! I am replacing the bearings on my 68. The front wheel bearing pops right out but the back one - will not just pop out. There appears to be a rubber retainer(Circular) of some sort - -Should I pry this out!?

Yes. That's the rear seal. Use a non ferrous drift, such as brass or copper, and pry or knock it out. Replace it with a new one when reassembling everything.

[theskytoucher]

Or use a seal puller!!!!!!!