Alternative to shop press for bearing

j789139 · Jul 13, 2018

Hello all,

Need to remove & replace fr d/s wheel bearing on 96 civic ex and looking at wheel bearing puller/press tool in the following video; as alternative to shop press. I prefer loaner but willing to buy.

I found, what looks exactly like the same kit, for sale, on AMZN but AZ has a similar loaner...See pics below. The AZ OEM Loaner looks like it's a portion of the AMZN puller/press; perhaps, only a press, to install new bearing, therefore, I'd need another tool i.e. puller, to remove old bearing...but not really sure, what is the difference, between the two tool sets...?

OrionMotorTech 23-Piece FWD Front Wheel Drive Bearing Adapters Puller Press Replacement Installer Removal Tool Kit,
AMZN $66.99 & FREE Shipping

bearing_puller_press_9581f026b5886430984d660b9d245a4fbe2d3334.jpg

OEM Loaner Bearing and Race Tool
AutoZone Loaner $60

bearing_puller_press2_ce1f8b844d0b9c49fd4074b07bdbf3b8edba3041.jpg

u118224 · Jul 13, 2018

The top kit you list is what you need. You won't need the other kit listed.

WWheeler · Jul 13, 2018

The top kit might get it, but I've not had a lot of luck with the jack screw that comes with the cheaper kits like that. Then again, maybe that one's better than the ones in HF sets I've used that look just like it. Keep it lubed up and cross your fingers and maybe your results will be better than mine. If it is a loaner might want to consider what the deposit is and what their policy is if you bring it back with a stripped out screw and weigh that against what the set might cost to buy online or HF, etc.

If the bearing is a beast you might want to look at using a OTC 6575-1 Hub Grappler with it. The full Grappler kit is costly, but you can just get the Grappler puller for ~$130 or so and use it with the adapters from a set like that. Auto-Zone / O'Reillys and the like should just loan out the Grappler set in the first place imho.

Best thing about removing the bearing like this instead of a shop press is the time saved. The knuckle stays on the car and no need to get an alignment afterward.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UhICdE_IDiM" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Ole Slewfoot · Jul 13, 2018

I pull the lock ring, hammer it out, and use my SO ball joint press to push the new one in. Not sure if a gineric BJP is big enough.

KZOC · Jul 13, 2018

You make that want to look at the Astro 78825. Great quality, and only $72 from summit. I just used it for this exact purpose on a 2wd CR-V. Saved about $400 vs the dealer!

nes999 · Jul 13, 2018

Check with a dealer. I had a wheel bearing removed and a new one installed for 20 bucks out the door on my explorer.

Sent from my VS988 using Tapatalk

j789139 · Jul 13, 2018

u118224 said:
The top kit you list is what you need. You won't need the other kit listed.

Thanks!
What is the other kit used for?

Mr_B · Jul 13, 2018

above mentioned astro kit is what you want and well worth the few bucks extra.
useful kit for lot of bearing/big bushes .
Cheap sets like eBay and Amazon can be okay but you only find out on a tight bearing when the threads have rolled out on forcing screw . The astro kit has proper graded bolt and you can be sure if did bork it they post you another .

j789139 · Jul 13, 2018

WWheeler said:
The top kit might get it, but I've not had a lot of luck with the jack screw that comes with the cheaper kits like that. Then again, maybe that one's better than the ones in HF sets I've used that look just like it. Keep it lubed up and cross your fingers and maybe your results will be better than mine. If it is a loaner might want to consider what the deposit is and what their policy is if you bring it back with a stripped out screw and weigh that against what the set might cost to buy online or HF, etc.

If the bearing is a beast you might want to look at using a OTC 6575-1 Hub Grappler with it. The full Grappler kit is costly, but you can just get the Grappler puller for ~$130 or so and use it with the adapters from a set like that. Auto-Zone / O'Reillys and the like should just loan out the Grappler set in the first place imho.

Best thing about removing the bearing like this instead of a shop press is the time saved. The knuckle stays on the car and no need to get an alignment afterward.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UhICdE_IDiM" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Thanks!
I've heard that from folks that appear to use this tool much more often than I will. That said, the only one, I could find available through HF was a Maddux item #63728, for $119.99, which is available, at local store NOT online. I can't find this tool, as a loaner but AZ has the other tool, for bearings that I posted pic of but I'm not sure what it does, exactly.

The Grappler :thumbup:

AZ has the slide bar setup, he used in the video, to remove the hub so I may try that first, if needed, especially, if the Grappler is NOT available, as loaner.

The knuckle staying on the car and no need to get an alignment afterward, would be cool!

We shall see!

brokeboater · Jul 13, 2018

I used an ATD 8625 Front Wheel Drive Bearing Adapter Kit which appears very similar to the first kit to do my a Honda CRV rear wheel bearings and everything on that nightmare was frozen up solid. The above ATD kit did just fine and was well up to the task. I don't know here folks are getting their prices but I paid right at $100 for the kit and it was money well spent.

j789139 · Jul 13, 2018

Ole Slewfoot said:
I pull the lock ring, hammer it out, and use my SO ball joint press to push the new one in. Not sure if a gineric BJP is big enough.

Thanks!
Yeah, I've seen some vids, of guys hammering the hub and the bearing out and back in. Well, I've got a 2lb ball peen hammer but not sure ole' hand could take the abuse.

What is a "SO" ball joint press?

j789139 · Jul 13, 2018

KZOC said:
You make that want to look at the Astro 78825. Great quality, and only $72 from summit. I just used it for this exact purpose on a 2wd CR-V. Saved about $400 vs the dealer!

Mr_B said:
Re: Alternative to shop press for bearing
above mentioned astro kit is what you want and well worth the few bucks extra.
useful kit for lot of bearing/big bushes .
Cheap sets like eBay and Amazon can be okay but you only find out on a tight bearing when the threads have rolled out on forcing screw . The astro kit has proper graded bolt and you can be sure if did bork it they post you another .

Thanks!
Not sure who/where Summit is but I believe I see this astro kit at AMZN for $73.04.

@Mr_B, yeah, astro kit looks like it's got a couple of extra pieces and good to hear about the properly graded bolt but what did you mean by "...and you can be sure if did bork it they post you another."?

j789139 · Jul 13, 2018

nes999 said:
Check with a dealer. I had a wheel bearing removed and a new one installed for 20 bucks out the door on my explorer.

Sent from my VS988 using Tapatalk

Thanks!
Local dealer parts guys are cool 25% off list, but service guys NEVER give me a decent, let alone competitive price on labor. Do tell, how on earth, did you get a wheel bearing removed and a new one installed for 20 bucks out the door, by a dealer?

nes999 · Jul 13, 2018

j789139 said:
Thanks!
Local dealer parts guys are cool 25% off list, but service guys NEVER give me a decent, let alone competitive price on labor. Do tell, how on earth, did you get a wheel bearing removed and a new one installed for 20 bucks out the door, by a dealer?

I walked into my local ford dealer said "Hey I need this removed, and I need this one installed"

Mind you I tried entirely too long try to get it removed.

I was expecting to pay more than 20 bucks. However it was ready for the press when I gave it to them. My press wasn't touching it.

Sent from my VS988 using Tapatalk

j789139 · Jul 13, 2018

brokeboater said:
I used an ATD 8625 Front Wheel Drive Bearing Adapter Kit which appears very similar to the first kit to do my a Honda CRV rear wheel bearings and everything on that nightmare was frozen up solid. The above ATD kit did just fine and was well up to the task. I don't know here folks are getting their prices but I paid right at $100 for the kit and it was money well spent.

Thanks!
I believe, I see this ATD Kit available on AMZN for $102.64...I'll check it out.

brokeboater · Jul 13, 2018

j789139 said:
Thanks!
I believe, I see this ATD Kit available on AMZN for $102.64...I'll check it out.

I think CPO has them for $99 but no sense quibbling over a couple of bucks. If your Civic comes apart anything like my CRV you need to also source a decent slide hammer. Both tools were invaluable in making a real bear of a job manageable. The procedure itself isn't that bad, it was the corrosion on mine that made things difficult.

j789139 · Jul 13, 2018

nes999 said:
I walked into my local ford dealer said "Hey I need this removed, and I need this one installed"

Mind you I tried entirely too long try to get it removed.

I was expecting to pay more than 20 bucks. However it was ready for the press when I gave it to them. My press wasn't touching it.

Sent from my VS988 using Tapatalk

Thanks!
I'll have to try dealer and see how much it hurts, as well as a couple of close shops because once I get that sucker ready, for the press, I've got no way, to get it to them. :headscrat

FWIW, called closest shop,NOT a dealership that I'm comfortable with and they said $100... :bs:

j789139 · Jul 13, 2018

brokeboater said:
I think CPO has them for $99 but no sense quibbling over a couple of bucks. If your Civic comes apart anything like my CRV you need to also source a decent slide hammer. Both tools were invaluable in making a real bear of a job manageable. The procedure itself isn't that bad, it was the corrosion on mine that made things difficult.

Thanks!
Do you know what grade the drive bolt is and how many pieces in kit?

Yeah, I saw loaner slide hammer setup at AZ, so hopefully that'll be helpful, if needed. And good to know, procedure itself isn't that bad...We shall see.

anndel · Jul 13, 2018

I have the OTC Hub Grapler kit and the Astro 78825 kit. When I first used the OTC, the forcing screw bent and the cup was crushed. I had to remove to steering knuckle and took it to work to push out the old bearing and push in the new one. I got replacements under warranty and Bosch mentioned it's not rated for use with an impact wrench unlike what the tech was using in the video above. It's not stated anywhere in the book as well. I used the Astro kit while waiting for the OTC replacements and it held up to numerous wheel bearing jobs using an impact. I greased the screw before use in each case.

Mr_B · Jul 13, 2018

j789139 said:
Thanks!
Not sure who/where Summit is but I believe I see this astro kit at AMZN for $73.04.

@Mr_B, yeah, astro kit looks like it's got a couple of extra pieces and good to hear about the properly graded bolt but what did you mean by "...and you can be sure if did bork it they post you another."?

Basically if you stripped or damaged thread in sensible working practice they for sure post you required parts without hesitation or a dime from you.
they have a thread on here and go to extreme lengths help customers out and really do stand behind products as actually make effort and thought in selection, spec and evolution of their range .

Two Door · Jul 13, 2018

Mr. B. is right. The forcing screw in the Astro kit is one size bigger, and possibly a grade stronger, although it's been a while since I looked at it. If you read the Amazon reviews, ones in the other kits have stripped, but not the Astro. I have it, it is a nice kit.

Summit is Summit Racing Equipment.

Astro_Pneumatic_Tools · Jul 13, 2018

Mr_B said:
Basically if you stripped or damaged thread in sensible working practice they for sure post you required parts without hesitation or a dime from you.
they have a thread on here and go to extreme lengths help customers out and really do stand behind products as actually make effort and thought in selection, spec and evolution of their range .

Two Door said:
Mr. B. is right. The forcing screw in the Astro kit is one size bigger, and possibly a grade stronger, although it's been a while since I looked at it. If you read the Amazon reviews, ones in the other kits have stripped, but not the Astro. I have it, it is a nice kit.

Summit is Summit Racing Equipment.

Most are GR5, ours is the only kit i've seen with GR8 and it's because I wanted to make it that way. I usually chowder these things too.

KZOC · Jul 14, 2018

This.

I got and used the kit because of reviews in the Astro Pneumatic thread, and the fact that Astro is here on the board to support their products.

The beAring in question was a 2wd crv, and it worked just as
Intended.

Ole Slewfoot · Jul 14, 2018

j789139 said:
Thanks!
Yeah, I've seen some vids, of guys hammering the hub and the bearing out and back in. Well, I've got a 2lb ball peen hammer but not sure ole' hand could take the abuse. What is a "SO" ball joint press?

Snap On, a really big C clamp, with some adapter cups.

2 lb hammer is either not enough or will take a lot of extra time.

MattT · Jul 14, 2018

Hammer it out. Or if that doesn't work remove the inner race and weld a couple beads around the inside of the outer race.

Freeze the new bearing and it'll probably push in by hand. Might take a little light hammering if it's a heavy interference fit.

WhiffySpark · Jul 14, 2018

j789139 said:
Thanks!
I'll have to try dealer and see how much it hurts, as well as a couple of close shops because once I get that sucker ready, for the press, I've got no way, to get it to them.

FWIW, called closest shop,NOT a dealership that I'm comfortable with and they said $100...

Yeah you’re looking at spending $150 on cheap tools and they may not even work for what you’re trying to do

I’ve had several a hub grappler wouldn’t move.

You may come out ahead taking it to a shop..

brokeboater · Jul 14, 2018

WhiffySpark said:
Yeah you’re looking at spending $150 on cheap tools

I don't think he's looking to purchase "cheap" tools. $150, or just a tad more, will get you a quality bearing press and slide hammer. Once the job is done you still have the tools and the knowledge. And it is rare indeed that a car goes in the shop for repairs and the unexpected doesn't rear it's ugly head.

j789139 · Jul 15, 2018

anndel said:
I have the OTC Hub Grapler kit and the Astro 78825 kit. When I first used the OTC, the forcing screw bent and the cup was crushed. I had to remove to steering knuckle and took it to work to push out the old bearing and push in the new one. I got replacements under warranty and Bosch mentioned it's not rated for use with an impact wrench unlike what the tech was using in the video above. It's not stated anywhere in the book as well. I used the Astro kit while waiting for the OTC replacements and it held up to numerous wheel bearing jobs using an impact. I greased the screw before use in each case.

Mr_B said:
Basically if you stripped or damaged thread in sensible working practice they for sure post you required parts without hesitation or a dime from you.
they have a thread on here and go to extreme lengths help customers out and really do stand behind products as actually make effort and thought in selection, spec and evolution of their range .

Two Door said:
Mr. B. is right. The forcing screw in the Astro kit is one size bigger, and possibly a grade stronger, although it's been a while since I looked at it. If you read the Amazon reviews, ones in the other kits have stripped, but not the Astro. I have it, it is a nice kit.

Summit is Summit Racing Equipment.

KZOC said:
This.

I got and used the kit because of reviews in the Astro Pneumatic thread, and the fact that Astro is here on the board to support their products.

The beAring in question was a 2wd crv, and it worked just as
Intended.

Thanks to all!
Yeah, hard to believable, it's not rated for use with an impact wrench. after watching tech use in video and that it's not stated anywhere in the book as well...? :headscrat

All good to hear, about astro.

Summit Racing Equipment. :thumbup:

j789139 · Jul 15, 2018

Astro_Pneumatic_Tools said:
Most are GR5, ours is the only kit i've seen with GR8 and it's because I wanted to make it that way. I usually chowder these things too.

Thanks!
Good to know, and good to have you participating here...
How long is your warranty on Astro 78825?

j789139 · Jul 15, 2018

Ole Slewfoot said:
Snap On, a really big C clamp, with some adapter cups.

2 lb hammer is either not enough or will take a lot of extra time.

MattT said:
Hammer it out. Or if that doesn't work remove the inner race and weld a couple beads around the inside of the outer race.

Freeze the new bearing and it'll probably push in by hand. Might take a little light hammering if it's a heavy interference fit.

Thanks!
Ah, Snap On, should've known that one.
What size hammer, would be recommended?

Yeah, no welding experience and/or equipment and not really sure what race is.
Freeze new bearing. :thumbup:

Read that a couple times, now.

Mr_B · Jul 15, 2018

A lot of the cheaper kits the head shears off the forcing screw bolt rather than threads fail .
Civic bearing should be pretty easy .

j789139 · Jul 15, 2018

WhiffySpark said:
Yeah you’re looking at spending $150 on cheap tools and they may not even work for what you’re trying to do

I’ve had several a hub grappler wouldn’t move.

You may come out ahead taking it to a shop..

brokeboater said:
I don't think he's looking to purchase "cheap" tools. $150, or just a tad more, will get you a quality bearing press and slide hammer. Once the job is done you still have the tools and the knowledge. And it is rare indeed that a car goes in the shop for repairs and the unexpected doesn't rear it's ugly head.

Thanks!
Yeah, not looking at "cheap" tools unless Astro kit, at $73.04 is considered so...
Also, figure I'll need a hub puller, so looking at loaner slide hammer & flange from AZ, like he used in video, from my post #1.

I did find this used HF - Central Machinery 20-ton shop press, for sale, on Craigslist, nearby, for $100. That said, correct me, if I'm wrong but to use press, I still have to remove entire spindle, while with "cheap tools", I do not.

Macneil · Jul 15, 2018

I have the Astro kit and love it. I live in Northern Ontario Canada where everything is seized in place within a few years. I bought the kit for the front wheel bearings on my Kia Rio and man it worked well! Ive used it several times since also. Would not hesitate buying another!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

brokeboater · Jul 15, 2018

j789139 said:
Thanks!
Yeah, not looking at "cheap" tools unless Astro kit, at $73.04

The Astro obviously has a lot of loyal supporters on here and I'm not here to go against the flow. If I'd have known of the Astro and it's attributes before buying the "other brand" I've have no doubt gone with the Astro and saved myself $25. I did look for a rating stamp on the drive bolt on my kit and there was nothing to tell me of it's rating. I will say with the frozen bearing I had my 1/2 breaker bar on it and was giving it all I had to break it free which it eventually did. And the drive bolt held up just fine to that and a few more since. I'd say like most anything nowadays there are good quality products that you have to pay for and there are a flood of low quality that look just like them tool imposters. No doubt the low end bearing pullers don't hold up. The better quality units properly lubed and used do hold up. Apparently the Astro is just fine.

nelstomlinson · Jul 15, 2018

I bought that kit from Amazon, used it to press in and out the front wheel bearings on my Subaru, no complaints. It's surprisingly adequate, considering it's from China. The parts aren't too soft, the screw and nut haven't stripped or galled, it works.

Bretny · Jul 15, 2018

Just use an air hammer to remove the old one. Clean up the knuckle with a drum flap disc and tap the new one in with the old ones outer race and a piece of flat steel. Cheap and you get the correct size driving tool every bearing.
Air hammers are also good to have around for other uses.

WhiffySpark · Jul 15, 2018

brokeboater said:
I don't think he's looking to purchase "cheap" tools. $150, or just a tad more, will get you a quality bearing press and slide hammer. Once the job is done you still have the tools and the knowledge. And it is rare indeed that a car goes in the shop for repairs and the unexpected doesn't rear it's ugly head.

$150 is cheap. Pretty sure I paid that for the slide hammer. Hub grappler is $500 and even that struggles sometimes.

Mr_B · Jul 15, 2018

Doubt he struggle on a civic even with a cheap slide hammer and chinese bearing kit
If concerned on cost he be best just getting the astro kit as it decent and only like 20bucks more than the china ebay ones and take knuckle off car and drive hub spindle out with hammer if not got other tools do it, they come out pretty easy, decent air hammer useful, if bearing real tight I add some air hammer action while under load on forcing screw and they always budged once done that .
I generally use air hammer and old impact socket remove spindles as slide hammer bit rough on suspension .

Skin · Jul 18, 2018

If hes in rust country and this is a once every 10 year sort of job i'd second taking the knuckle off and bringing it to a shop. Screw up the install of the new bearing or breaking the wheel speed sensor isn't worth it. Those Honda speed sensors are around $150 themselves and you actually cannot properly press the bearing out without grinding a notch in the push plate to clear it. In my area those sensors have become one with the knuckle. Usually swollen in place from rust and the hold down bolt snaps so they either stay in or you factor in a new sensor.

Ditto with the c-clip (often comes out in pieces).

j789139 · Jul 18, 2018

Macneil said:
I have the Astro kit and love it. I live in Northern Ontario Canada where everything is seized in place within a few years. I bought the kit for the front wheel bearings on my Kia Rio and man it worked well! Ive used it several times since also. Would not hesitate buying another!

brokeboater said:
The Astro obviously has a lot of loyal supporters on here and I'm not here to go against the flow. If I'd have known of the Astro and it's attributes before buying the "other brand" I've have no doubt gone with the Astro and saved myself $25. I did look for a rating stamp on the drive bolt on my kit and there was nothing to tell me of it's rating. I will say with the frozen bearing I had my 1/2 breaker bar on it and was giving it all I had to break it free which it eventually did. And the drive bolt held up just fine to that and a few more since. I'd say like most anything nowadays there are good quality products that you have to pay for and there are a flood of low quality that look just like them tool imposters. No doubt the low end bearing pullers don't hold up. The better quality units properly lubed and used do hold up. Apparently the Astro is just fine.

nelstomlinson said:
I bought that kit from Amazon, used it to press in and out the front wheel bearings on my Subaru, no complaints. It's surprisingly adequate, considering it's from China. The parts aren't too soft, the screw and nut haven't stripped or galled, it works.

Thanks all!
Good to hear some positive feedback, on real world usage.

Alternative to shop press for bearing

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