It's on an '81 Dodge D150 PU (5 lug)

I need to replace the outer front wheel bearing, and was wondering if you can get behind the bearing race in the hub with a long punch from the back side and tap it out, and then use a drift to tap the new one back in? Or will I have to take it to a shop with a puller and a press?

Anyone BTDT?

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'81 D150 with "Lean Burn"

Yep, a long drift (punch) and hammer works for me.

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Joshua

and if you dig the grease out and look well, you'll find two indents in the shoulder on the backside of the bearing pocket. These are for just that purpose.....using a long punch to tap out the bearing race, in a "walking" fashion. Just don't get real crazy with the hammer.

Roger

Thanks, that is what I figured, but it never hurts to check with someone who has BTDT before you get everything torn apart.

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'81 D150 with "Lean Burn"

I used a brass drift when installing the new one to prevent dinging the edge or scoring the surface if I slipped.

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There's a difference between ignorance and stupidity.
Ignorance is not knowing any better.
Stupidity is knowing, yet doing it anyway.

You can pick up a bearing race driver to install the new one. I held off for a long time, but have since bought one and love it. There's different brands out there but they look something like this.

-James

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I made my own bearing installers from old bearing races. I ground down the outer surface until the diameter is small enough to slip into the hub. Then I place it over the new bearing race to protect it as I drive it in.