Removing front wheel bearings

[NC_MULE]

1970 200RS
So for the past year my bike has had a slight front wheel wobble when you tip into a turn.  Its a slight movement between the brake assembly and the wheel hub but at speed when the wheel shifts it gives you a much tighter turn in which throws your line off.   

Took the front wheel off today and the sleeve between the bearings has some play and when I spin the outer bearing it feels a little tight and rough.  I removed the outer circlip but can't seem to get a drift on the bearing to pop it out.  My manual doesn't cover wheel bearing removal.  Can someone give me some advise on getting the bearings out?  I thought I would ask the pros before I move up to a bigger hammer.

pb

[NC_MULE]

Bigger hammer did the trick. Didn't think I was making progress but once you move the bearings a hair the sleeve will flip and allow you to get the drift squared up on the bearing and a few direct blows pops it out. 

Will I have to press the new ones in or can I get the job done with a bearing driver and hammer?

[ziggy stardust]

Find a socket the same out side diameter as the bearing you want to fit then tap it home squarely, only tap the out side diameter never the inside diameter or you will damage the bearing. You can also lube the bore of the hub to help the bearing go home.

Z

[reed]

NC Mule,
Like Ziggy said, but put your wheel bearing in the freezer over night.
Then the next day put your wheel  out in the sun for about hour.
Next tap your bearing in with a socket and it will go a little easier .
Thanks.
Steve. 

[ziggy stardust]

Sun? You have sun? What a luxury.

Z

[Bikenstein]

I've used a portable heater before to help expand the metal to ease pressin bearings in. Just don't get it too close.

[NC_MULE]

Good advise guys.  I'll report back once I get the bearings from Richard.

[disc_valve]

Hi, Folks,

Just a thought - if you can't find a suitable socket to use as drift, DO NOT get clever and try to use the old bearing as a drift to insert the new one. I tried that once when restoring my 100 TMX and I ended up with the new bearing nicely seated, and the old bearing also nicely seated and jammed in teh hub on top of it.

It was a pig of the first order to remove! Won't try that again.

Graham