I have a failing wheel bearing in my 87 LeBaron. I know that to change the bearing by itself it would need to be pressed out. I've seen some older posts on this forum that say if the entire wheel hub is replaced then you can avoid the need for a press. I've also heard that even with a new hub the bearing would still need to be pressed in order to be removed. I'm sure someone has gone the new hub assembly route, any confirmation on which method is the least troublesome?
Need a press regardless. I would just go with a complete hub
+1
Where abouts in IL are you located?
Originally Posted by thedon809
100% correct. I had to replace both fronts in my Scamp 2 years ago. Just buy the hub with the bearing on it. That's what I did. Took the knuckle assemblies off, took it to work, and had both changed in about 1/2 hour with our hydraulic press at work. Much easier than trying to disassemble everything and re-use the old hub...
Yeah. My one hub on my omni was seized to the bearing inner race and pitted real bad. I bought OEM mopar NOS bearings prior to taking them apart and ended up going with complete moog hubs.
Me and Grandpa LeBaron hail from Berwyn!
I was leaning towards getting the entire wheel hub assembly too. $40ish dollars from Rockauto shipped is not a bad price. I have a friend who may have access to a press, I'm hoping that pans out.
Meanwhile, I'll continue to either drive below 50 or above 55 mph to avoid the howling the car makes...
Last edited by fcasta308; 12-05-2014 at 10:40 AM. Reason: Typo
If you can't get access, a shop will usually press them in and out for you if you bring them the hub. Probably wont charge too much.
+1. Look for a local machine shop. Most are willing to do it if you toss them a few bucks.
I went to Carquest in Aurora, Il. and they pressed the new ones in. They charged me forty dollars, which was high I thought. The next time i needed them pressed out I took them to the Firestone where my son worked and he did it for free ( the manager went out for lunch).
When the race is seized I weld around the race to get some hear into it. It all but falls off after that.
My brand new wheel hubs with bearings came yesterday (Merry Christmas to me), now time to do the work.
Can I get some opinions on using this tool loaner from PepBoys? It's listed as "Front Wheel Drive Hub Assembly Puller". I can see how it would be capable of getting the job done but I want to make sure. Has anyone used this before? Can it replace having to use a press for the old bearing, or would that still need to happen separately?
Here's the link: http://www.pepboys.com/parts/tools/
Under Drivetrain, tool# 27037.
All help is welcome and appreciated!
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