jnbrown

I am trying to replace a sealed bearing in my White Industries hub but it won't go in.
I am using a 5/16" bolt with a bearing drift on one end and a socket on the other.
Every time I start tightening it the bearing goes in crooked.
I tried heating up the hub and putting the bearing in ice water. I think it helped some but did not solve the problem.
Seems like the fit is just overly tight. Now I am thinking maybe I should sand the side of the hub bearing surface to open the hole a bit.
Would rather not take it to the bike shop as this is a bad time to get service.
Not sure if some kind real bearing press would help and how much money to spend on it.
Thanks for any advice.

sch

Try putting the bearing in a plastic bag and then in your freezer for an hour or so, and heat the hub a bit more.
Possibly a larger diameter bolt if available as well. If the socket is pressing on the outer rim of the bearing
does the socket get crooked as well? Using a washer between bolt and socket?

jnbrown

I realized that I should have gotten a 3/8 bolt instead of 5/16.
Also I think using a bolt and wrench is applying uneven pressure causing it to go in crooked.
Decided I am going get the Wheels manufacturing economy bearing press and hope it works.

Will also try freezing / heating again. That trick worked with a BB30 crankset that I had trouble with.

Thanks

N2deep

First measure the OD of the new bearing to verify that its correct, funny how often this kinda thing happens. Second, can you use a thru bolt/all thread rod to help seat the bearing? Third, is their a starting chamfer on the hub and is it uniform? Ive used a thru bolt with washers to seat several hub bearing.

Geepig

If you can find some small engineering company of some kind press then they may do it for you.

jnbrown

I measured the OD of the bearing and ID of the hub and they both are 27.8mm.
I think the hole in the hub must be tight or it has deformed over time.
The hub is pretty old. Bearings have to be replaced more often because it is the rear wheel on a tandem.

RocThrower

I got the same tool, and it makes pressing in bearings so much easier. I know there are other methods to install bearings, but with the press and proper drifts, I've never had issues.

jnbrown

Got the bearing press today. The bearing went straight in with very little effort.
One of the best bike tool investments I have ever made.

cpach

It is a small joy whenever I get to pull this guy out: https://wheelsmfg.com/presses-tools/...ing-press.html