So, I need to replace my left rear knuckle and I'm going to press in a new bearing. I'm wondering... is this something I can do myself? I can pay $20 to take it to a machine shop and have them press it in, or I can try to do it myself. Then I would have the equipment in case I need it for the future, and I could also do it for local S2000 club members.

So, I'm wondering... What kind of press would I need? Would something like this do the trick:
Harbor Freight



Is that overkill? Do I need something bigger/smaller? Anyone have recommendations? Has anyone actually pressed in a bearing on their own? Am I going to screw it up, since I have no experience?

Advice/pointers welcome.

 

That will work well.

The most important thing to do when pressing is propper support in the right spot. In the case of the new bearing:

You would support the knuckle, and press the bearing in by it's OUTER case. It may take some time to find something round that fits just right.

Now....to press the HUB into the new BEARING, you would support the inner race of the bearing, using a drum shaped post. Then press the hub in from the top. Another disc on top of the hub may or my not be needed, depending if the press plunger sits nice.

 

By the way....I'll be doing one on an s2k on Sat, if you guys want nice clear pics, maybe Xviper can add comentary

 

i can host pics or somthing if you want, I actually have access to both a press and a lathe as well as a shelves upon shelves of scrap metal.

I just really want to see the approximate shape/dimensions of the tool and where you support it and stuff.

you can pm me if you need me to host the pics.

 

billman-
Thanks for the comment. I think it would be great if you post up a few pics from your install of the hub/bearing combo. It might be useful to add it to this thread:
https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=223599

At this point, I think I'm gonna go ahead and take it to a shop to have it pressed in. I'm going to wait until I have a building built with more room for shop equipment before I start buying big stuff.

 

I can host the pics here no prob....it will just take a while to add explanations and commentary, which is why I suggested Xviper.