Replace the race also?

[HOWDY69]

I am replacing front wheel bearings for the first time. If the races look good do I need to replace them.

If so any hints on removing and replacing them.

[hardtailjohn]

Always replace the race/cone as a set. There's lots of ways to get them off... some guys use a big hammer and punch, some use a puller, some will carefully grind them in one spot to split them and then pull them... some use heat (quick and hot as much as you can around... don't get the spindle too hot)... I'm sure you'll hear more on here. I perfer to use heat or a cutting wheel on a die grinder to slot the race until almost cut through, then a chisel and hammer to knock it the rest of the way loose..
JH

[19674x4]

it depends, you could change the race but i have been taught that if you take the new bearing before you pack it and spin it in the race while putting pressure on it, that will tell you. you want a smooth spin not a clicking or bouncing spin where the rollers have wore it down.

[Fake Name]

always replace the bearing and the race together- they are a SET. Back in the day, when I worked at a machine shop, I always found notches on the backside of the housings to use a punch on the backside of the races. Then I'd use the old races as a driver for the new races. BE SURE they're seated in their boss all the way. No cutting, no heating required.

[390Nut]

And if using the old race to drive the new one in, make sure the thicker side of the race is the side doing the driving. Depending on the drum/hub, as all vehicles are different, some go into the hub deeper, you'll need to drive the old race back out.