Installing hub races - what lube?
 

I am getting ready to install the new races I bought for my F1 hubs, what lube do you use for the reinstallation. I have a set of bearing race drivers but no press, races are in the freezer, is a press needed?

Re: Installing hub races - what lube?
 

Timken grease is good. Any good wheel bearing should be good. A smaller brass punch will work to install the races. It's what I've done many times without any problems.

Re: Installing hub races - what lube?
 

I've always just coated the bore with motor oil. A solid surface (like the concrete floor) is best to keep the hub from bouncing, and a fairly heavy hammer will work great. Make sure to get the race started straight with light taps at first. If the race cocks, tap it out and start over. Good luck!
Terry

Re: Installing hub races - what lube?
 

Instead of a press, try a piece of 1/2" threaded rod and some big washers with your bearing drivers. (I rebuilt all of the IFS on my C**** using threaded rod and pieces of pipe cut up to look like the tools in the shop manual.)

Re: Installing hub races - what lube?
 

Freeze the races with dry ice and they will drop in. Will be in solid in seconds. Doesn't really need lube between the race and bore. A wipe of light oil is fine though. Just one of many opinions.

Re: Installing hub races - what lube?
 

I like this idea.

Re: Installing hub races - what lube?
 

Are you referring to a lubricant between the race and the hub or for the bearings? I have never lubricated a race during installation.

Re: Installing hub races - what lube?
 

No, nor me. Just line 'em up and knock em in.

Re: Installing hub races - what lube?
 

Lube for installation.

Re: Installing hub races - what lube?
 

Don't think that is a good idea, somewhat akin to lubing a rear hub during installation. You what a good dry metal on metal fit. The issues I have run into is the race not being tight enough when installed. It needs to be a tight fit, you do not want the race spinning inside the hub.

Re: Installing hub races - what lube?
 

When I was working in the machine shop; I was trained to always use anti-seize on the races for installation. Some were small bearings driven in with a hammer and pilot, some were installed with a hydraulic press, and some were shrunk with dry-ice and dropped in. Didn't matter the size of the bearing or gearbox; steel, cast iron or aluminum... all were installed with anti-seize. With the proper "fit" between the bearing race and gearbox you won't have an issue with the race moving...

Re: Installing hub races - what lube?
 

Got them installed, used the threaded rod on the small races and a combination of the rod and bearing driver on the large races. Wiped the hub down with a little bit of Ballistol before installation.