I'm at it again. I'm changing the rear bearings on my '87 VW GTI. Any tips
on the best way to press the inner bearing race into the rotors in the
absence of a hydraulic press and the right size press tool? I usually use a
socket with a bolt/washer/nut in these situations, but I'm having trouble
finding a socket that has the right diameter to match the thin edge of the
race. If it doesn't match closely, I'm afraid I will damage the race or
bearing seat during the process. Would it be okay to put the bearing in the
race and press the whole thing in together? This would give me the larger
area of the bearing face to press against. Will I damage anything if I do
this? Any recommendations or experiences would be greatly appreciated.

--
Kent
1987 VW GTI 8V, original owner, 222,000+ miles

In rec.autos.makers.vw.watercooled, Kent wrote:

I found a fender washer at Home Depot that matched my rear bearings.

I was replacing my disk+hubs too, and I only realized later that I
could have had them pressed together before shipment for a
reasonable fee.

"Tom's VR6" <no (AT) mail (DOT) please> wrote


Ah yes, Home Depot. One of my favorite sources of VW "specialty tools" at
budget prices. I'll check out the fender washer idea. Thanks.

--
Kent
1987 VW GTI 8V, original owner, 222,000+ miles

Never had a need to use a hydraulic press. For years, before the fancy tools
came alomg... all I used was a brass drift punch.

"Kent" <immortala2 (AT) yahoo (DOT) com> wrote

On Monday March 21 at 11:00am
"Kent" <immortala2 (AT) yahoo (DOT) com> wrote:

My dad taught me to use the old races to hammer the new ones in. Just
hit the old one with a sander/grinder around the edge fist to make sure
it doesn't get stuck.
________
-Johann Koenig

Johann Koenig wrote:

Easier than that, just cut a slot in the old race with your cutoff tool.
That will allow it to contract slightly, like a piston ring. Still a
tight fit but will come out easily with a brass drift and a hammer.

nate


--
replace "fly" with "com" to reply.
http://home.comcast.net/~njnagel

"Johann Koenig" <explosive (AT) hvc (DOT) rr.com> wrote



Never thought of this, but I like it. Especially the fancy illustration.
Thanks!

--
Kent
1987 VW GTI 8V, original owner, 222,000+ miles

"Nate Nagel" <njnagel (AT) flycast (DOT) net> wrote


Nice...you guys are good.

--
Kent
1987 VW GTI 8V, original owner, 222,000+ miles

I use the old rave the other direction. If I happen to get the old one
stick I have something to smack against to tap it out. Nate's idea of
a zip wheel to "shrink" it might be a better idea.

"Kent" <immortala2 (AT) yahoo (DOT) com> wrote:


Jim B.

I normally just use the old bearing race on the new bearing face tap real
gently and keep turning the bearing.
there are arguments that say you will damage the bearing face, but this has
never happened to me kinda depends how hard you tap


<jimbehning (AT) doesthisblockporkmindspring (DOT) com> wrote