Are new races required with new bearings?

[RogerR]

I pulled my tires off and decided to lube the bearings. I found that the rear seal was leaking so I got new seals.

This got me to thinking and I found Timken bearings on Amazon. Can I install new bearings on the old races? There is no evidence of failure on the bearings but it would be nice to get reliable American ones.

I have no experience in changing the races or equipment to do it. Can I put new bearings (Timken) in the Chinese original equipment races?

Thanks, leaving up on the blocks till I hear back. My dealer not open till Tuesday.

[Rustynuts]

Personally, I wouldn’t. Replacing a race is not hard and the only tools needed are a hammer and a punch long enough to fit through the hub to the opposite side race. You will see the small lip of the race and just start tapping the race with the punch moving evenly around the race. To put the new one in, put the new race in the freezer for a bit and most of the time they will drop in, if not, I usually put the old race up against the new one and tap in the new one using the old race. Ton of YouTube videos showing it.

[PlayersZ28]

Ditto.

While you have it up and apart it's not that much extra effort to replace the races too. That way you know everything is fresh.

[ttavasc]

The races should always be replaced when you are replacing the bearings. They will form a specific wear pattern between the bearing and the race over time and just replacing the bearing could result in premature failure. It's pretty simple to do if you have the proper tools. I would look at picking up something like this - relatively inexpensive and will help prevent nicks or scratches when removing and installing the races:

https://www.etrailer.com/Accessories.../PTW83020.html

I carry this tool along with a complete set of bearings/seals/grease any time we head out - just a bit of extra insurance. If I have an issue but am not in a position to replace/repair myself at least I have all the parts on hand and don't need to wait for them to be ordered/delivered.

[travelingjw]

Ouch, wish I had known that when I replaced my OEM bearings with Timkens. This topic didn't show up while I was doing my work. So glad that this forum exists.

[DonaandDon]

My local auto shop packed the new bearings, pressed the races and new seals in for $10.00 a wheel. I did have to deliver the drum one at a time to him.

[Isaacs]

The hardest part is dealing with all the old grease in the hub—messy!