Replacing K75 Wheel Bearings

[TimTyler]

Is there a special trick to removing the front wheel bearings? Apparently BMW makes a special tool.

Clymer says removing the brake discs is necessary. ??

My new bearings are already waiting in the freezer, and I have a heat gun standing by to warm up the wheel.

[Inge K.]

http://k100rt.aforumfree.com/t2431-how-to-removing-front-wheel-bearings

[TimTyler]

Thanks, Inge.

I just read through that thread about 50 times, and I feel like I'm missing something.

"... this "washer" easily colapse to one side with the use of some amount of force."

Where exactly is this force applied? The washers on my wheel are hidden behind the bearings.

[Rick G]

Use a large screwdriver or bar, (it needs to be smaller than the axle, about 15mmor5/8in) put it about half way through where the axle goes and heave sideways and you will feel the spacer collapse which puts it at an angle making the center of the far side bearing accessible to remove. And then of course turn it over for the other bearing.  You can do the job with the discs on but DO NOT support the wheel on the discs.

[TimTyler]

Thanks a ton, Rick.

10 Minutes after reading your reply I had my bearings out.

[GasStation]

http://k100rt.aforumfree.com/t2431-how-to-removing-front-wheel-bearings

So please say where you got that Universal blind hole bearing puller with slide hammer and expanding collets?

[robleyd]

Inge probably got his in Scandinavia somewhere, where he lives :-)

https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=Universal+blind+hole+bearing+puller should get you started

[Inge K.]

Inge probably got his in Scandinavia somewhere, where he lives :-)

 :2thumbup: Exactly correct.

So please say where you got that Universal blind hole bearing puller with slide hammer and expanding collets?

About the availability at your side of the pond, I think "Old goat" at the same forum (k100rt) did get a close to similar set (a couple less collets) dirt cheap from Harbor Freight.
Search his restoration thread in that forum, where it is pictures of the set.

Inge K.

[cmichael]

Rick and or others, just how much force is a "heave"?  I have used a heat gun and blind puller to no avail and am now going at the bearings with a 1/2 steel rod and hammer.

I have two fears; 1. marring the center spacer, will this happen? and 2. destroying the rim.

Is heat used in conjunction with the bar trick? 

Am I shooting at the center of the spacer or am I aiming for the space between the bearing and the spacer?

[TimTyler]

The "washer" is more like a short tube that sits between the two wheel bearings. The washer is smaller in diameter than the inside diameter of the wheel. The washer is made of weak metal.

Using a rod or pipe of sorts, inserted through one of the bearings into the middle of the wheel, you can apply leverage that will bend / deform the washer. This force obviously damages one of the bearings but you are going to trash it anyway. The rod / pipe I used (a video lighting stand) was 5' long stiff steel tube with a solid 5/8" rod on the top. The force was enough to bend the rod, but I was a little frustrated and heavy handed.  :yow

Withdraw the pipe and use a flat screwdriver to tap one of the bearings out from the inside. Once the first bearing is out, the second one is much easier to remove.

Do your best to reshape the washer before inserting it back between the two new bearings. Or buy a new one?

[cmichael]

Thanks Tim!!

Took all of 5 minutes once I found out how much force to use. I used 1/2 inch solid steel bar and put a slight bend in it with the amount of force.

Now to coat them  :eek:

[Kyle10]

Is there a special trick to removing the front wheel bearings? Apparently BMW makes a special tool.

Clymer says removing the brake discs is necessary. ??

My new bearings are already waiting in the freezer, and I have a heat gun standing by to warm up the wheel.

If you can find a pan that's got a diameter and depth to immerse the wheel in, pouring boiling hot over the wheel and letting it heat up/expand goes a long way in helping.

[wmax351]

My mom was thrilled.

[cmichael]

Is 200 a good temperature, or should I go higher.  new bearings are in the freezer just chilin'.