How to Press Carrier Bearings

The drive shaft is secured with a carrier bearing.

The carrier bearing's job is to hold the drive shaft to the bottom of the vehicle while allowing it to rotate freely. It is common for it to fail because of its exposure to the engine's power as well as water and road salts from the environment. Signs of a bad carrier bearing include a deteriorated or missing rubber seal, drive shaft vibration and/or a whining sound. Replacing the bearing quickly is important to avoid further damage to the drive shaft or undercarriage of the vehicle.

Things You'll Need

• Freezer
• Hydraulic bearing press

Instructions

1. Place the new bearing in a freezer. As the metal gets colder, it will shrink in size slightly, making it easier to press the bearing into the housing.

2. Place the carrier bearing housing on the hydraulic bearing press's arbor plate, directly below the press's piston.

3. Align the bearing in the center of the housing so it is centered perfectly.

4. Lower the hydraulic press's piston until it is 1/8 inch above the bearing. Align the press's piston with the center of the bearing. Double-check everything is aligned perfectly.

5. Lower the press's piston until the bearing pops into the housing.

Tips & Warnings

• Be careful to keep your hands away from the press's piston while in operation.

References

• Harbor Frieght: 12 Ton Shop Press Operating Instructions
• Auto Zone: Carrier Bearing Inspect