To remove sealed bearings from a hub, you typically tap them out from the opposite side of the hub bore using a drift tool or punch and a hammer.
Removing sealed cartridge bearings from a bicycle hub is a common maintenance task. Unlike loose ball bearings, sealed bearings come as a complete unit that is pressed into the hub shell. The removal process usually involves knocking them out from the interior.
Essential Tools
Before you begin, gather the necessary tools:
- Drift or Punch: A tool (like a specific bearing drift tool or a metal punch) that fits through the hub bore and can make contact with the bearing's inner edge or the backside of the seal. Ensure the tool is slightly smaller than the bearing bore to avoid damaging the hub shell.
- Hammer: For tapping the drift or punch.
- Soft Jaw Vice (Optional): To hold the wheel or hub securely.
- Penetrating Oil (Optional): To help loosen stubborn bearings.
- Eye Protection: Safety first!
Step-by-Step Removal Process
The general method involves accessing the bearing from the side opposite the one you want to remove.
- Access the Bearing: Identify which bearing you need to remove. You will insert your drift tool through the hub bore from the opposite side. For example, to remove the non-drive side bearing, insert the drift from the drive side.
- Position the Drift: Carefully insert the drift tool until its tip makes contact with the edge of the bearing you want to remove. Aim for the inner race or the solid part behind the seal.
- Tap the Bearing: As mentioned in the reference, "tap it until the bearing just starts to move." Use your hammer to gently tap the end of the drift tool.
- Tap Evenly: It's crucial to tap evenly around the circumference of the bearing to avoid cocking it in the bore. You may need to "rotate the sleeve. And hit the bearing from the opposite. Side." This suggests rotating the drift tool or the hub/wheel assembly to change where you are tapping the bearing's edge.
- Continue Tapping: Continue tapping the bearing from the opposite side, working your way around the bearing's edge, until it starts to move out of its seat.
- Remove the Bearing: Once the bearing has moved sufficiently, you should be able to tap it out completely or pull it out by hand.
- Repeat for the Other Side: If your hub has bearings on both sides, repeat the process for the other bearing, inserting the drift from the side you just removed the first bearing from.
Tips for Stubborn Bearings
- Apply a small amount of penetrating oil around the bearing's outer edge and let it soak in for a while.
- Ensure your drift tool makes solid contact with the bearing's inner race or the edge, not just the seal.
- Tap firmly but controlled. Avoid excessive force that could damage the hub shell.
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Hammer | Provides force to tap the drift/punch |
| Drift / Punch | Transfers hammer force to the bearing edge |
| Eye Protection | Protects eyes from debris |
| Penetrating Oil | Helps loosen rusted or stuck bearings |
Removing sealed bearings requires patience and careful application of force. Tapping evenly from the opposite side is the key method to drift the old bearings out of the hub shell.
