How to Install Races in a Hub Assembly

Updated 09/06/2017 | Published 09/04/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Bearing Packer - Plastic

(175)

$8.58

Replacement Race for 02475 Bearing

(1236)

$12.25

Replacement Race for 25580 Bearing

(1236)

$15.01

LubriMatic LMX Industrial Strength Grease - 14 oz. Cartridge

(270)

$8.41

LubriMatic Marine Trailer Wheel Bearing Grease - 3 oz. Cartridges - Qty 3

(294)

$36.90

Question:

Hi, I'm looking for a race installation tool or kit to handle these 2 races: 02420 and 25520. Can you please help, thanks!

asked by: Paul R

Expert Reply:

We do not carry a tool that will help install your races, though I can pass on some information for you that might be helpful. To install your races, this is what you'll want to do, according to our help article on replacing bearings, races and seals on a trailer hub (which I'll link for you).

First, place the race in the hub, thin edge towards the outside.
Carefully tap in the race until it is level with the hub.
After the race is level, the old race can be used to push the new race farther into the hub.
After a couple of hits, switch to the biggest socket that you can fit in the inner part of the hub.
Catch the outer edge of the new race with the socket and tap in the race, again, going in a circular motion, until the race bottoms out.
Sometimes the tone of the tapping will change, indicating that the race has bottomed out.
Make sure the race is in as far as it can go by feeling for a gap between the race and center of the hub.

The next step would be to pack the bearings with grease, a step many people find easier with the use of bearing packer # PTW1218. A high-quality red grease is LubriMatic # L11390; if you have a boat trailer you could use LubriMatic marine bearing grease # L54FR.