To replace or not replace.....wheel bearing cups

[dyogim]

I've replaced my wheel bearing cups (inner and outer for my HP44) when replacing the bearings in the past but, have always noticed the surface to be unmarked and looked as the day I bought them. I know they sell them separate from the bearings and they are not that expensive to replace. What are your thoughts on replacing the bearing cups or keep them and just replace the bearings?

[taco4x4rar]

You talking about the races? I've always thought (and practiced) that when you replace a bearing, always replace the race along with it.

[dyogim]

Originally Posted by taco4x4rar

You talking about the races? I've always thought (and practiced) that when you replace a bearing, always replace the race along with it.

So have I but, I've always noticed that the races are always sold separately from the bearings. If it was really reaquired, I would think the races and bearings would be packaged together.

[NorcalPR]

Bearings will always wear into a race even if you can't see it with the human eye

Not to mention some manufactures may sell the same part number, but the taper or dimensions are very slightly different

It's like replacing brake rotors, but not changing the brake pads...

[TRoss]

Originally Posted by taco4x4rar

You talking about the races? I've always thought (and practiced) that when you replace a bearing, always replace the race along with it.

x2 typical maintenance practice. Get the "matched set" (bearing and race together in the box from the manufacturer... it's cheap and easy insurance.

[Jomentum]

Originally Posted by dyogim

So have I but, I've always noticed that the races are always sold separately from the bearings. If it was really reaquired, I would think the races and bearings would be packaged together.

Different bearings/race combinations, fit multiple applications..

[dyogim]

Started changing out my front wheel bearings/races last night. Come to find out the inner race had a crack. I believe this was causing the "flat" spot when the driver side was rotating. So, as everyone else has stated and what I've always done in the past, it's best to change the races when changing the bearings.

In the process of installing the new bearings/races. The inner bearing/race was the wrong one (Timken part# Set37). Autozone gave the ones for the small bearing instead of the big bearing. Going back today to get the right ones. Luckily, at around 10pm AngryAndy found a brand new spare inner bearing/race in his garage. Picked it up and finished the install for the driver side. Now, to get the correct bearings and finish the other side tonight.

As a note, I got all Timken bearing/races/seals from Autozone for around $85 total. Outer bearing/race Timken part# Set45, Inner bearing Timken part# LM104949, Inner race Timken part# JLM104910, Wheel hub seal Timken part# 471271. Parts Mike has the complete kit for around $72(plus shipping and tax).