Replacing rear bearing races in drum

[Safety Guy]

I searched and couddn't find anything specific.

What do you all use to replace old bearing races and install new ones in Aspire drums? I think this would involved using some size of sockets to press out the old ones and press in the new ones, or is this not possible?

I just want to know what I'll get into when I do this soon.

Thanks,

Karl

[25Horseplay]

After I remove the old races with a punch I grind the outside edge of the old race down and use it to drive the new race in by setting it on top of the new one.

[packrat427]

My rear drums had 4 notches inside to make it easy access to drive out the race's .

Just try to keep the punch to the outer edge .

I did use the old race to drive it in the most , then tapping at 3 , 6 ,9 , 12 o'clock position to make sure it is seated all the way .

[FB71]

I have race installation tool used with a press.

[Pu241]

I'm with FB71 on this use a press or take to a shop that has one!
I have "hammered" in new races but the press does a much nicer job of it!
I have also heated the drum in the oven and put the races in the freezer.
Then just dropped the races into the drum.
Perfect fit!
When the parts equilibrated, temp wise, all was as it should have been!

[FB71]

I have also heated the drum in the oven and put the races in the freezer.
Then just dropped the races into the drum.
Perfect fit!
When the parts equilibrated, temp wise, all was as it should have been!

That's the way I do big truck transmissions; ZFs, Eaton-Fullers, Road Rangers...

I have a dedicated bearing/gear heater.

I've also been known to freeze shafts with R-134a..... shhhhhhh!

[jglutz]

I have race installation tool used with a press.

The best way.

To all...some small races will tap in just like they're extracted...whats really important is to use something soft (softer than the race) like a piece of brass rod...ALWAYS feel the bore to insure there are no burrs and to get the bearing started evenly and to go very slow.

[Safety Guy]

Thanks guys!

I think I'll try the oven/freezer method. I can bake a cheesecake at the same time!

Yum,

Karl

[scitzz]

Might make the cheesecake taste funny. bearing grease smoke and cheesecake................

I NEED to try that, TY Blue Flight Leader.

I always have used a punch, and yes, the old race to reinstall.

[Safety Guy]

I'll only bake something with a brand new drum and bearing race set!

Yeah, combining heated grease and brake cleaning residue with food would NOT be a healthy idea!

Karl

[Pu241]

Karl,

Even a new drum needs to be cleaned of oils and other surface treatments/contaminants otherwise your oven will starts to smoke and smell.
Spray the drums (you are going to replace them as a set aren't you?) with a non-chlorine containing solvent to wash the crud off them.
Generally, any brake or carb cleaner will work and let them air dry outside for a day or so, depending on outside temp.
Then put them in the oven and slowly raise the temp to 350 to 400°F in 50° increments! and put the races in a plastic bagy which has had the air removed via a vacuum cleaner.
So water doesn't condense on your new races.
Put them in the freezer at least 3-6 hours ahead of time!
Only remove them when the drums have been positioned and ready to accept the races.
Do not let the drums cool or the races heat up.
This has got to be done very quickly and with minimal fumbling around!
Otherwise, you get to reheat and freeze the parts!

[Dave G]

I've always just tapped them in with a soft steel rod & a small hammer. Just go slow.

[FB71]

Then put them in the oven and slowly raise the temp to 350 to 400°F in 50° increments

NOO!!!! Don't heat over 275degF unless you want to change the temper of the metal. 250degF is the ideal max temp.

[worfdog]

get some dry ice. it's $1.29 a pound here at the grocery store.put the races in a sandwich bag with some of the dry ice. you can also coat the races with oil.the dry ice leaves no residue,just leave the bag open so it won't pop.heat the hub up sligtly with a propane torch.the dry ice is way below 0 and it won't take long for the races to shrink.be carefull with the ice it can give you frost bite in just a few seconds of contact with your skin. the races will just about drop in place with only a little tap from the handle of a wooden hammer.

[jglutz]

NOO!!!! Don't heat over 275degF unless you want to change the temper of the metal. 250degF is the ideal max temp.

Very true...the problem with the temper...it's not really the heat theat will change it but the slow cooling.