Yikes: Wheel Bearing Puller Kit $386!

[Eric_R_Kissell at email.whirlpool.com]

On Thu, 21 Mar 2002 "Forhan, Thomas" <THOMAS.FORHAN at MAIL.HOUSE.GOV> wrote:

>I need to replace my front Type 44 wheel bearings, and I really want to 
>do it on the car.  From the archives, I gathered that the specialty tool, 
>available from Snap-On, was about $200. Priced it out and its $386- not really 
>what I want to spend.  Anyone know of cheaper sources, or a rental? 

I had some aluminum stock turned down into the appropriate sizes for removal and
reinstall. I had some additional smaller pieces made for spacers. Do not forget 
that once the new bearing is installed, you also need to press the hub back in 
supporting from the bearing center. I use some big all-thread (threaded rod) 
with nuts and washers to create the necessary force. I wanted fine-thread 
all-thread, but I could not find any quickly so I used what I could find. I 
think I ended up with 5/8" or 3/4" diameter. I use a couple of big adjustable 
wrenches to turn things.

Works like a charm. Probably less than $50. I had access to a lathe to turn the 
aluminum down, so that helped minimize cost. I may make a new cleaner looking 
tool sometime now that I have proven out my prototype tool on 3 or 4 bearings.

Several places have rental bearing removal tools. Many Audi and VW mail order 
parts suppliers have the tool for rent. Just make sure that it has the Audi 5000
plates if you rent one. Probably Adirondack and Blaufernugen rent them. Autozone
also rents tools, but I have no idea if the bearing puller is one they rent. 
Maybe they would get one if there was enough local demand.

Eric R. Kissell
1986 5000cstq, 1.8 bar (SJM), K24, Fuchs 
1989 200q Avant, K24, Bilsteins 
1987 VW GTI 16V, 1984cc, Bilsteins
Evansville, Indiana, USA