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Will this press work for our wheel bearings?

G

getsum111

Yes I am a Pirate, 200 years too late.
Joined
Apr 5, 2005
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Pillaging in Freedom, PA.
I've been thinking of buying a shop press so that I can do my own bearings, the correct way. Nothing against Stazi, his services are great, but shipping the knuckle adds up over the years. I need some experienced opinions on whether this press would be suitable for pressing in our wheel bearings. Thanks.

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/...duct_6970_200332761_200332761&issearch=145207

Or would this one be better, and why?
http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/...00326415&cm_sp=Xsells-_-Manual-_-Product Page
 
i have had trouble with my 12 ton on a couple hubs, i dont think the 5 ton would be able to do it.
 
Agreed the second looks more sturdy, but was not sure of the power needed to press the bearing in. But for about $20 more, why not i guess. Now, not to sound dumb, but i'm a press virgin (be gentle :laugh:).

What else would I need to press bearings in, ie. is there some item that goes on the end of the press that makes contact with the bearing, some sort of adapter or such. And if so, what size would I need for a Contour bearing? All other makes/models can wait. :laugh:
 
I think he meant to check what kind of press aircougar has since he changes wheel bearings all the time himself.

but fyi he did bend up his press pretty good on one set of wheel bearing he changed.
 
getsum111 said:
What else would I need to press bearings in, ie. is there some item that goes on the end of the press that makes contact with the bearing, some sort of adapter or such. And if so, what size would I need for a Contour bearing? All other makes/models can wait. :laugh:
Click to expand...

I've always used a heavy duty impact socket as an adapter for wheel bearings. I'm sure you could machine an exact fit spacer though like transmission shops do.
 
BrApple said:
I think he meant to check what kind of press aircougar has since he changes wheel bearings all the time himself.

but fyi he did bend up his press pretty good on one set of wheel bearing he changed.
Click to expand...

I hope not. I need him to press in a new wheel bearing :blackeye:
 
if your going to buy a shop press, dont bother with anything less than a 20 ton. yes they are more expensive, but it will do everything you will ever need it to, and it should last for an extremely long time.
 
That is my problem, don't have tons of $$ to throw around. What else would I use it for, besides bearings? It's not that I don't appreciate the input, I do. I see the advantage of the 15 ton vs. the 5 ton, esp. for $20, but the more powerful models get considerably more pricey.
 
the obvious question then is how often are you really going to use it? will it actually be worth buying the press and having it take up space in the garage/shop?
 
Honestly, I've sent my SVT's knuckles out To Stazi 4 times in last 6 years. My roomate has done her Mustang's twice, and my wife's truck has been done twice. I tend to do lot's of work on people's cars, both CEG'rs and others(who's automotive tastes have not evolved as far as us :laugh:). This would allow me to be able to help out a few more people than I currently can.

Will it pay for itself? :shrug: Not anytime soon. But when I need to send out a knuckle, it's either try to find a mechanic who WON'T use a sledge (getting more rare to find one), or have car down for 4-6 days while part is shipped, fixed, then shipped back.







Plus, it would look cool in my garage!!!!:laugh:
 
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