Hello

Maybe I have to change the front wheel bearings. I'd like to buy a tool set to put the bearings into the rotors. Lisle has different sets. Can anyone tell me which diameter (or which tool set) I need for my wheel bearings (Camaro, '88, TBI)?

For example there's a set on amazon (sorry it's in German):

There are these adapters: 55,5mm, 59mm, 62mm, 65mm,
66mm, 71,5mm, 73mm, 78mm, 84 mm

Thanks,
Thomas

 

I'll take a measurement when I get home; however, when installing races, people end up using the old race to beat the new one in.

 

Thanks a lot for your effort.

Well, I like to work with the correct tools normally ;-)

 

Hi B4CHawk

Could you already measure the wheel bearing?

I'm a bit confused about the tools. Because there are different sets that look a bit different and have different names. Like the ones are called "Bearing and race drivers" and others are called "Bearing pullers". But actually they look quite the same. Which one should I take? Here are some links from Amazon that I would be grateful if someone could comment them:




I guess the first link is a combined puller and driver, am I right? So number 1 woule be the better choice for the prize...?

Thanks a lot,
Thomas

 

There is no need for specially sized tools for this job. A hammer and a flat punch is all that is required to easily remove the old race and install a new one. Just make sure you get the new raced started square.

 

Yes, I think you're right but wouldn't it be safer for a beginner using the tool? The risk of tilting is much less when using the tool because you can hammer right in the middle ... ?

 

Buy some new rotors that come with races and do your brakes at the same time?

 

The info provided is from a stock OEM front '92 Camaro rotor. This is with the standard brakes with the iron calipers.

With the types of bearing tools you listed they can't be used to remove the races. The reason is that there is material in the way to get behind the race. Would need an expanding jaw type of puller to latch onto the race. And pull it from the front.

This is why most folks tap them out with a punch, a little at a time.

The tools listed can be used to install the races. Here are the OD's of the races:

Outer race OD: 45 mm
Inner race OD: 59 mm (or maybe a smidgen under, such as 58.9 mm)

Pictures of the inner & outer races of the '92 rotors...

RBob.

 

Hello again

I've received the wheel bearing driver by Lisle. Somewhere I read I can use these also to remove the old races... but how do I have to do that?

Should I lubricate the spindle as well or is it enough to lubricate the bearings? In the internet I found small differences in manuals.

Do I have to consider something else when changing the bearings? I've read different "stories" about how (much) to tighten the castle nut. As I'm doing this for the first time, I bought a dial indicator. Am I doing right following the GM manual and tighten the nut to 16Nm while turning the rotor. Loosen and do this for about five times and then loosen the nut and hand-tighten it firmly, then loosen until the hole in the spindle lines up with the castle nut?

If I tightened too little or too hard, how will I notice that when driving? I mean I'm a bit uncertain whether it could be really dangerous, if I did something wrong or whether I would notice it early enough by a noise or so... I mean, if it really was too loose I could feel it in the play of the wheel, I guess...

Thanks,
Thomas