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Posted by: Bill Meyer May 16 2011, 03:36 PM

Installing new 5 lug hubs and upon removal of the old hubs the bearings stayed in place, hubs came out fairly easy really. Bearings have less than 5K miles on them and the hubs were greased a bit, so I assume that's why it came out so well.

...so, do I need to replace them as is always suggested? The inner races did slide out a touch, maybe 2mm, but slide right back into place and feel smooth. Is the fact that they moved at all mean they are trashed?

Thanks for any help!

Posted by: underthetire May 16 2011, 03:57 PM

Run em. They are angular contact bearings, they will always move a little till tightened down. usually the inner race pops out of the outer completely, thats when they are trashed IMO.

Posted by: sww914 May 16 2011, 05:39 PM

Posted by: Eric_Shea May 16 2011, 05:41 PM

Seriously?

Posted by: Bill Meyer May 16 2011, 07:15 PM

Well, Eric seems to think I'm nuts I guess. Maybe I'll just order some new bearings so I'm not asking him next year why my nearly new bearings failed..

Posted by: Eric_Shea May 16 2011, 08:21 PM

I think the replies you got are nuts... The only stupid question is one that goes unasked, and, they're not cheap so, I don't blame you.

It's a split race (radial taper) bearing and it's not meant to be reused.

Posted by: roadster fan May 16 2011, 08:37 PM

To remove the hub from the bearing did you beat on it with a hammer and socket, or draw it out with a puller?

If you hit it at all, dont run it. If you pulled it out, maybe.....your choice, but.....how much do they cost again?

new bearings is the right way to go, but it will be a few $.

Jim

Posted by: Bill Meyer May 16 2011, 09:21 PM

I used a slide hammer to draw them out. They really seem fine, but what do I know. Cheap insurance I guess, I'll order some new ones.

Thanks all!

Posted by: Elliot Cannon May 16 2011, 11:43 PM

I'm a little confused. Are these rear bearings you're talking about? If they are they're ball bearings and the race has to be removed with a puller. Well, I guess you don't HAVE to use a puller, but it sure is easier. If they weren't making any noise before you pulled the hubs, didn't sustain any damage when you pulled them and only have 5,000 miles on them, why not re-use them?

Posted by: Bartlett 914 May 17 2011, 05:54 AM

QUOTE(Elliot Cannon @ May 17 2011, 12:43 AM)

Posted by: Racer Chris May 17 2011, 06:23 AM

If the seals weren't damaged during hub removal I say don't change the bearings.
The bearing assembly cannot withstain much force before it comes apart, therefore whatever force was used with the slide hammer was likely insufficient to damage any of the balls.
Worry-warts.

Posted by: 76-914 May 17 2011, 09:14 AM

My 2 cents and I'm not disputing what the guru's have said: I recently R&R'd my rear bearings. I forgot to install the bearing retainer plate before the hub so I removed the hub and reinstalled it after the retaining plate. Guess what? The new bearing was loose as a goose. I've still got it if anyone wants to use it.

Posted by: stugray May 17 2011, 09:21 AM

I constantly hear "You cant beat on them" when the Haynes manual not only tells you to beat the hubs out, but shows a picture of a guy with a mallet.

I have two sets of trailing arms with what appear to be perfectly good bearings, but I bought new ones anyway.

Now I just need to find a shop that can press out the old & in with the new.

Stu

Posted by: Eric_Shea May 17 2011, 09:24 AM

Posted by: SLITS May 17 2011, 11:56 AM

QUOTE(Eric_Shea @ May 17 2011, 08:24 AM)

I'd never reuse a split ring bearing but again, I'm not as smart as y'all.

Posted by: underthetire May 17 2011, 01:00 PM

Still say it's a angular contact bearing. And they can be re-used if not damaged.
http://www.timken.com/en-us/products/bearings/productlist/ball/Pages/angular.aspx

Posted by: sww914 May 17 2011, 02:53 PM

If you don't replace them now and they prove to be bad, all you have to lose is the labor of pulling out the axles and hubs again. If you do replace them now you save that but you spend $150.00-$200.00 on bearings plus an hour or two more labor depending on your tools, skills, and work space.
I think it's worth the risk. On a customer's car I would replace them, no question. On my car I would run them without hesitation.
I blew the center races out of mine when I did my 5 lug conversion and I didn't have the money to buy new bearings. They were damaged and I knew it. I ran about 40 track days before I replaced them because they were getting noisy.

Posted by: Bill Meyer May 17 2011, 05:14 PM

Looking at them closer today and the outer seal is slightly opened now, so stuff's gonna get in there. Might be ok for awhile, but I've convinced myself to replace. Ordering some today from Eric.

Thanks for all the replies.. and sorry to start a major bearing debate here. Bill

Posted by: ArtechnikA May 19 2011, 03:53 PM

QUOTE(Bill Meyer @ May 17 2011, 07:14 PM)