Just ordered 2 new front wheel bearings from Ronnie's Hd. Can I use my
Pilot bearing removal tool to get the old ones out? If so can you tap in
The new ones with a socket? Or do they have to be pressed in? Would like to
Do it all myself instead of pay someone.
Thanks in advance.

 

there is a special tool for removing and installing the bearings, took my mag wheels off my 2001 to an Indy thrashed their tool trying to remove them, they were really in there. find a good Indy that has the correct tools, it should not cost that much, just my opinion!

 

I use a Blind Bearing puller to pull mine. You can find them at Harbor Freight.

 

An old trick; put the new ones in the freezer for a couple of hours and they'll slide in right away....

 

I believe I have the same harbor freight tool. I will use that to get it out. But what did you use to get it back in? Socket. Or a press?

 

I may try the freezer trick. :-)

 

Just a heads up: if you're going to use a socket, always use it at the outer ring!

 

I use the freezer and then use an old bearing to press the new one in, that way you know its the right size. Plus I don't have any sockets that big.

 

You will need the tool Harley has. The only thing, you can't buy it from Harley. Jims makes it for Harley. You can buy it form other vendors.

https://www.denniskirk.com/282937.sk...utm_medium=cse

This site has the tool for a lot less $$$$. It also has a video that shows the correct way to install the bearings. The tool holds the first bearing from being pushed out when the second one is being pushed in from the other side. The spacer inside the hub pushes the bearing out.

http://for-sale-any005.4p.org/deal-i...B004N7GZIM.php

Here is instructions for the Jims Tool.

http://www.harley-davidson.com/en_US...ts/-J04938.pdf

 

you can get it here to
http://www.amazon.com/HARLEY-DAVIDSO...productDetails
You do not want to drive in a sealed bearing. You are taking a risk of rupturing the seal on the bearing, if not damaging the bearing itself. The freezer trick woks well.
If you want to use a socket use a all thread with washers on both ends checking to make sure it is straight. The tighter fitting all thread on the socket helps to. I will start one and then the other then use the all thread. This helps to keep them in alignment.
Driving them out is okay since you are not going to use them again.
tomt, thanks for the links.