Wheel bearing replacement

[Rust_Belt_Pete]

How many here replace the whole assembly, hub with bearing to avoid hassle.
How many use the old hub and press out and press in bearings? Is there a reason you do this?

 

[slacktide_bitog]

The last time I needed to replace a wheel bearing, it was actually part of the brake drum! The drum, hub, and wheel bearing was a whole assembly.

 

[IndyIan]

How many here replace the whole assembly, hub with bearing to avoid hassle.
How many use the old hub and press out and press in bearings? Is there a reason you do this?

I would if I had an acetylene torch and press sitting there ready to used in my garage. Seem like you could pay yourself $50+ for a few minutes of work. But I have neither, and cutting a bearing race out of a brake drum with a dremel, was not time well spent, so I get the bearings in hub/drum now....

 

[tnt_motorsports]

whole hub, easier and less chance for error IMO.

Just my $0.02

 

[72C10]

I do the bearings. But 1 of my vehicles has a sealed bearing so no-go. No particular reason other than I have the tools.

 

[Creekside]

Entire hub unless it’s something like my Tercel which is designed for the ball bearing to be replaced individually.

 

[ls1mike]

I don't think I have have a car that isn't the entire hub anymore. I always do the complete hub.

 

[TheLastWord]

How many here replace the whole assembly, hub with bearing to avoid hassle.
How many use the old hub and press out and press in bearings? Is there a reason you do this?

Knowing your car would be most beneficial.

 

[Rand]

Depends on vehicle, price and availablity of quality parts, tools, etc.

 

[D60]

Yeah this is really application specific. Some are unit bearings (effectively non-serviceable), some you replace just a sealed bearing, some you drive out/in races and pack the bearings.

For something like an older Subaru there's really no "complete" unit to buy. You can buy the bearing, or the bearing AND the hub but they're separate and you still press everything together.

 

[cptbarkey]

What hassle? Every vehicle is different. My 97 Ram 1500 had easy bearings to remove, in fact its required to remove in order to replace the brake discs.

 

[Yuk]

On my cars, hubs with bearings are easier. I'd rather avoid pressing bearings if I can.