Front wheel bearing on 95 Passat

[doc_oc]

How hard is it to take it out of the spindle and press the new one in?
Can you hammer it out? The way you can do the rear drum races?

[Wolfsbur]

With a rather costly tool,  you can press the bearing out/in with the steering knuckle still on the car (but the outer CV removed from the bearing).

Or you can pull the steering knuckle out,  and use a press to R&R--most shops will do this,  and charge about $20/30 for both.

Don't whack it out with a hammer.

[doc_oc]

I'll be replacing the struts at the same time as well. So I'll take the spindles out.

I always took the bearings out with a hammer. I just never sow this spindle inside and I am not sure how I can hit it. If it is anything like the rear hub, where you have the 3 slits in, it's perfect.

[vanagonturbo]

its absolutely nothing like the rear bearings. hammering in or out can severely reduce the life of the bearing (you can destroy it just installing it). They are sealed bearings and need to be pressed in with an arbor tool or on a press.

[doc_oc]

I know it is nothing but the rear bearing. What I said is, that if the front one goes out LIKE the rear one (which has the 3 slits).
I know the hub needs to be pressed in and that you should not hammer the NEW bearing in. But the old one? You can beat the crap out of it.
I was hoping someone has some insight and tips about it. Beside soaking all the bolts in penetrating oil.

[doc_oc]

I've done them both now. It only took me 3 hours to do both sides and I only used some scrap bars and pipes that I had laying arround.
I was lucky as all the bolts came out no problem. They were all gresed up from before.
So, if anyone needs any insight or help doing the bearings....just ask.