Wheel Bearing question

[robertahegy]

A brass drift and hammer will remove the races, but be carefull not to damage the AL wheel. If in doubt, a good machine shop can press them out and in for you.

Roberta

[Flyin'Bryan]

While I have yet to do this on an aircraft wheel, I am preparing to do this same sort of thing for the travel trailer that I haul to KOSH every year for Airventure. There are lots of youtube videos describing the general procedure. there is also a hints for homebuilders video on the EAA website, but he does not cover the removal and replacement of the races, just the removal/repalcement of the seals and repacking the bearings. I have seen everything from a wood block to a large metal water pipe used to remove the races. They are a press fit and will most likely take some force to remove.

Love the idea of taking them to a shop with appropriate tools to force them out. Seems to be the less violent and safer way to do it. Also agree from the pics that both the bearings and the races need to be replaced, as well as comments about the securing the wheel nut.

[stneki]

Take a look at the nuts on your bolts that hold the wheels together. The bolts do not show enough threads beyond the nylocks.

I had the same problem and sent Parker some pictures. They first said they were not their wheels then after I sent a picture of their label they finally admitted they had a problem with a batch that was sent out.

They finally sent me an upgrade kit with longer bolts, nuts and new labels for the wheels.

You may want to check with them.

Steve
RV7A
N315S

[Skysailor]

I would recommend using a press to replace the races. That is how they are installed. It is a simple pres fit. No heat or other techniques are required.

[zav6a]

For the number of miles these things see, they suffer disproportionate failure. I've gone through 2 sets in 1400 hours. And I repack every year. They are cheap to replace but it is tempting to replace them all with Alan's sealed bearings and forego the repacking every year.

I have gotten in the habit of, a couple of times a year, cutting the engine on roll out on a smooth runway and pulling off my headsets to listen for the buzz or rumble of bad bearings. Very apparent.

[Paul 5r4]

Just to pass on the the new main wheel bearings/cups are in and no more ZZZzzzzzz sounds! I do have some info that saved about 225 bucks that I'll pass on. I needed 4 new bearings and 4 new cups, (the nose wheel set was fine), here was the cost...

Vans Aircraft $95.00 X 4 = $380.00
Aircraft Spruce $58.00 X 4 = $232.00
Motion Industries $39.31 X 4 = $157.24

I went with motion industries! Just FYI.
Also thought you'd get a kick from my homemade press to press them in. It worked like a champ!
[IMG][/IMG]

[pierre smith]

Good move, since most NAPA auto parts stores and Pep Boys carry the same bearings...just read the numbers off the old ones.

Best,

[AltonD]

Originally Posted by Paul 5r4

Just to pass on the the new main wheel bearings/cups are in and no more ZZZzzzzzz sounds! I do have some info that saved about 225 bucks that I'll pass on. I needed 4 new bearings and 4 new cups, (the nose wheel set was fine), here was the cost...

Vans Aircraft $95.00 X 4 = $380.00
Aircraft Spruce $58.00 X 4 = $232.00
Motion Industries $39.31 X 4 = $157.24

I went with motion industries! Just FYI.
Also thought you'd get a kick from my homemade press to press them in. It worked like a champ!

Can you give us part numbers for the bearings and races from motion industries?

[zilik]

Put the races in the freezer and the hub in the sun or warm oven. The races will drop right in without a press.

[gasman]

You guys are over thinking this process.......

As mentioned By Roberta, Use a brass drift and tap out the race. The new race will tap right back in. NO PRESS NEEDED.
This is an easy thing to do. You can replace the bearing (including the race) without removing the tire from the rim.

The bearings can be purchased at your local bearing store. Just take your old one in.

Example........ Bearing for my nose wheel.... TIMKEN p/n BR6 cost $8.44 each. 8/3/07.

Harbor Freight has a nice cheap brass drift.


PS...... When you purchase a new bearing, they come with the race. They are part of the bearing and must be replaced with the bearing. You cannot purchase them alone. Never place a new bearing on an old race.