I need to replace the needle bearing in one of my hubs. I was wondering if the bearing needs pressed in or can it be hammered in with a large socket and a hammer?

 

Yes, you can "tap" it in. I would recommend usng a bearing/seal installer tool. They are available as a loaner at Advance or Autozone.

The harder part will be getting the old one out.

 

I did mine recently. I used a punch to knock the old bearing out. A flathead will do the trick as well, just make sure you hammer on the edge of the bearing and not your hub assembly. Once out I used the old bearing and a block of wood to hammer the new bearing in. Make sure your axle stub is not worn down by your old bearing. This is a common culprit for blown hub seals, bearings, rattles and knocks.