IHTFP

Among a bunch of other work, I am installing new front wheel bearings. From what I have gathered, the best method is to heat the upright in the oven and the bearing should fall right in. Well, I tried that, and it didn’t work. I have one bearing that went about 1/4 of an inch into the hole and then seized there and I couldn’t get it out. So, most likely I will have to press them in. I first heated the upright to 200 degrees F and the bearing wouldn’t go into the hole at all. I next heated to 300 degrees F and the bearing went in partially and then seized.

After I heated to 300 degrees F, I saw where the shop manual says to not heat over 248 degrees F. Did I just do damage to my upright by heating to 300 degrees or is that temperature ok?

Mr.Woolery

Did you freeze the bearing, too? Last time I did a thermal bearing insert, I heated the part by boiling it and inserting the bearing which had been kept in the freezer for a few hours prior.

I would think heating the upright to over 250 degrees might change its structural properties...but I'm not sure.

IHTFP

Mr.Woolery

What kind of front upright? Is it cast aluminum (I think OEM is cast) or billet (aftermarket)?

IHTFP

pp000830

I have seen this, however, I have never done this:
https://www.hemmings.com/blog/2009/0...bearing-races/

IHTFP

Im trying to get the bearings in, not out

k722070

200 degree oven for an hour is enough for the wheel carrier.
the bearing and wheel hub in the freezer for at least 24 hours is important.
this has produced a high success rate for me, well worth the wait when it works.

if your bearing is stuck in the carrier at an angle you'll want to remove it first rather than press it in and risk damaging the aluminum carrier.

my guess is a 300 degree oven didn't do any damage, my calipers get that hot.

IainM

^ word

IHTFP

I just finished getting both sides in using a cheap threaded bearing press from Amazon. I heated both uprights to 250 degrees F and it still took a lot of force to get the bearings in. These are the *** bearings from Pelican that look identical to the Porsche bearings. I am curious if these bearings are oversized or if my uprights are undersized.

chris walrod

Here is a short video clip of how I've been installing bearings. Upright 200f in oven for 30 minutes, bearing in freezer overnight prior.

Key is to introduce bearing into bore very carefully and straight.

pp000830

Could one chill the outside bearing race by turning a can of spray Dust Off upside down and spraying the race , supercooling it? Would this facilitate getting the race to slip in?

IHTFP

911F1

^Are the bearings a Porsche part or 3rd party? Can this be the difference

pp000830

If you have the uprights off the car you could take the parts to a machine shop who can press the bearings in for you. It is such a small part of the job and probably wouldn't cost much. Also, a machinist would observe any dimentional or conditional issues that may be the root cause of your problem and adjust any dimensions as needed.
Andy