B20 front wheel bearings

[DavidHill]

I have found a bit of play on one of my front wheels when i jack it up and try to wobble it from the 12 to 6 o'clock positions...so I have ordered a new set of SKF front wheel bearings from Bearing Boys (for both front wheels ).  How easy are they to fit?  I assume i remove the brake drum with a puller, the bearings are held by the brake drum and I then push out each bearing from it (the inner and outer)...or is it more complex than that? - any special tools required?

[will]

Hi

When you have taken the brake drum off.
The bearings are held in place with ring nut which you will need a tool
to remome.

[DavidHill]

Many thanks Will, I assume the ring nut is castellated, so i can make up a tool from an old socket...do you know what size the ring nut is?
kind regards
David.

[ColinMarr]

You may not need any special tools. See diagram attached. Take out the split pin and undo the big nut holding the whole assembly on the stub-axle. In my experience the drum can then be pulled off by hand without any special puller. The inner bearing is held in with a castellated ring that is probably too big for any socket spanner. First, lift out the wire locking-ring (if fitted) and most likely you can loosen the big ring (in red on diagram) with a few taps with a brass drift. It needn’t be tight – the tightness will be given by the big nut. There will probably be witness-marks on the big ring where this has been done before. The bearings should then be eased out using a brass drift or a suitable socket. Happy days!  

[will]

I am told the club has the tool or your friend JK may
have one.

[DavidHill]

Many thanks Colin and Will for the advice and the very useful diagram. the brake drum came off easily with my puller and then i could drift off the large special nut at the back with a few taps of a heavy hammer and drift.  so now need to visit the "Mens Shed" I belong to in Isleworth to use the hydraulic press to take out the old bearings and put in the new ones.  The bearings don't seem to have any play in them, but hopefully they are the cause of the slight movement when i wobble the wheel.

[chriswgawne]

The play you refer to might therefore be in the sliding pillars, not the bearings David?
Chris

[DavidHill]

Hi Chris,

Yes good point, I guess I will find that out once I have changed the bearings!

[chriswgawne]

"I have found a bit of play on one of my front wheels when i jack it up and try to wobble it from the 12 to 6 o'clock positions....."

Your opening phrase set off my train of thought David. Worn wheel bearings would exhibit wear whatever position?

Chris