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If I expect to reus3 the bearings I use a seal puller to remove the seal.
If if it won't come out, I use a brass punch and knock out the bearing from the other side which will take the seal with it and hope for the best (to not damage the bearing).
If I'm not trying to save the bearings I just use a bearing punch.
It's long and has an oval end so you can get a purchase on the outer race to knock them out also.
For installing the outer race I have an old outer race I've ground the OD on some and welded a bar across it, then use they on the new race to drive it in.
To grease the bearings before installation I use a needle adaptor for my grease gun.
This is my preferred method as I know it's completely full of grease.
You can also use a heavy, like freezer, zip lock, put some grease in it, put the bearing in, zip it shut and then work the grease in. Keeps it off your hands.
So today I picked up a couple of new seals at NAPA, and came home to do some more work on the bearings. One whack from the opposite side with a screwdriver and BFH, and the old seal (and bearing) popped right out. Surprisingly, the bearings were in excellent shape, and seemed to have plenty of grease; whatever was causing the noise I was hearing, I don't think it was the bearings. At any rate, I am going to reuse the old races; they are in pristine condition, and I think the greater risk is me damaging something trying to punch the old ones out, or put the new ones in. For a truck that only does about 2500 miles/year, I don't see this as a problem.
However, while I was futzing around with the rotor I noticed something odd. Can anyone tell me what the round thing in one (and only one) of the vents is?
It looks for all the world like a giant roll pin; it's wedged tightly in the vent, and fills the length of the vent (toward the center of the rotor) without protruding on the inside. I'm assuming it's some kind of junk that's been in there since the dawn of time, but I'd like confirmation before punching it out.
Once you have the bearings all cleaned up inspect them very carefully that you didn't damage them using a screwdriver to knock them out.
The reason I use a brass punch is because the brass is a lot softer than the bearing material. Not so much with a screwdriver.
There's no issue reusing the old race with the old bearing. It's only a no-no if you're using a new bearing with an old race, or vice versa.
I was going to mention that. The bearings and cups aka races, are a matched set. If the bearings are OK, then repack them and reinstall. A new bearing on an old race will work, but it's not good practice. Yes, driving out the old ones is a PITA. It's easy enough. Alternatively a garage or machine shop would be happy to install the bearing cups for not too much money.
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalytic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.
