Rear wheel bearing replacement

[CMDRDAVE]

I attempted to replace the rear wheel bearings ('01 M900) last weekend.  No problems with the cush drive bearings, but I just couldn't figure out a good way to get the actual wheel bearings out.  Is there a special puller or something that I am missing?  I haven't attempted the front wheel yet, an recommendations with that?  Thanks.

[ducpainter]

I think there is a notch in the spacer to allow a drift to access the bearing inner race. It will destroy the bearing on removal.

Did your bearings fail?

[CMDRDAVE]

I think there is a notch in the spacer to allow a drift to access the bearing inner race. It will destroy the bearing on removal.

Did your bearings fail?

There is a notch.  And I thought about doing that.  I just wanted to make sure before I beat the hell out of it.  I was also thinking that there might be some kind of puller that fit in those notches.

No failure, just 25K.  I figured I would replace them while I had the wheel off to put on a new tire.  It is back together now (old bearings), and tire scrubbed in.  I think I am going to finish the season like this and complete the job over the winter.

[ducpainter]

You could use a heat gun to warm the wheel to make the job easier.

[jimmyjammoto]

The do make a puller kit for these type of bearing "situations". It's called a blind bearing puller and uses a slide hammer or extractor setup to get them out. I bought a kit earlier this year because of all of the powdercoating I was doing on my wheels. Pitposse has a kit on their website. Usually runs about $100-140. It's one of those tools where you seldom use it, but when you need it you're glad you have it 

BTW, I've used it for pulling bearings out of engine cases, and in that case alone it's paid for itself.

[dlearl476]

I while back I bought an 18" long 3/8" drift that caught my eye at the hardware store, it's just the ticket.  It's long enough that a) it doesn't get too severe of an angle going against the back of the bearing and b) long enough that I don't hit a wheel if I miss (thumb still gets it on occasion )
Put the wheel in the sun for 10-15 minutes and tap on opposite sides (in the cut-outs) and the bearings will drop right out.  If you make sure the drift contacts the outer race, it won't even damage the bearing.

[CMDRDAVE]

Thanks for the info.  Since I am cheap, sounds like a drift pin for me.  My old man thinks he can build a puller.  If it works, great, if not, it will keep him busy.