What's wrong with this pic of my new bearings installed on my axles(only cut them off in the first place to get the backing plates off and powdercoated)? So let me guess...I have to cut off the brand new bearings and collars and get new ones, rignt? I got collars with the new bearing from Mazda last time. They didn't mention the bearings come with collars, so I have a spare set of collars...If this is the case, is there a cheaper source for JUST the bearing from somewhere else? 1984 GSL-SE...

 

the collar is the part that actually holds the bearing, so if you're good with the press you can press of the bearings just using the inner race, and reuse.

 

You just need to get new collars. The bearings will come right off once the collars are
cut/removed. Whether you press or cut off the existing collars you need new onces because
the old ones can't be reused, already stretched from the installation.

 

That's what's known in technical terms as a 'pisser.' Has been known in some cases to result in hand tools embedded ballistically in garage walls, & a dog that's afraid to come back inside.

 

Thanks for the replies...No scared dogs, no embedded tools, probably some frightened neighbors, though. Pretty standard stuff, seems that's how this entire process has gone, car's been down since last summer when I ordered new suspension.
I am not good with the press, because I don't have one. It took me two months to find someone willing to put the new bearings on. I had to drive 1 1/2 hrs. to get there, and had to wait almost a month for them to be done. I plan on cutting the collars off...again. When I initially cut them off the first time, bearings were good, but wouldn't budge(come off) so I had to cut them off too, just to get the backing plates off. But the bearings SHOULD come off without ruining them? AND without using a press?

 

no you need a press. harbor freight, they are cheap

 

They should. Try a bit of heat on them and they may just slide right off. The bearings aren't a
friction fit, thats why you need the collar.

BTW, you can install the collars without a press. Many will poopoo this idea but it did work fine
for me. I did it on mine because I had the same issue, no place I could trust to do it locally at
the time.

I got some large diameter iron water pipe at the hardware store. It comes with an inside
diameter that will just fit over the axle where the collar goes. I then slid the collar on
after I had all my backing plates, mountng plates, and bearings placed. I then placed the axle
vertically with it sitting on the axle end (where the wheel mounts). I then proceeded to
slide the large iron pipe down on the collar, lightly at first to make sure it went on nice
and straight. Then I just proceeded to use the pipe like a large slide hammer and banged
those collars home with it. The soft iron pipe will not hurt the collar or the axle, as it will
deform from the hits and it actually worked for me very well.

 

Just make double sure the right plates are on the right sides and facing the right way. You don't want to do it again.

 

Well, I got the collars cut off. Cut into my axle alot more than I wanted...Definately no way to pull on the inner race of the bearing from the backside...Perhaps try to find a way to pull on the spacer? Bearings don't budge, spacers don't budge(rotate). U guys sure they're not a press fit, also?

 

the spacer isn't a press fit. the bearing is a loose press fit.

i've used the pipe method to install transmission bearings, it works great.

 

Hmmm, I don't remember any spacers but the bearings were definitely not that
tight. I have an SA so things may be different on an FB axle.

 

i've only done the 84-85's, but they have a spacer, so the bearing sits in the right place.

 

Well, I hit both dealerships around, and every machine shop and garage. Nobody can/will remove the bearings. Mazda won't even try...They say "we sent all those old tools back to Mazda year ago...". SO, ordered two more. Oh well, live and learn. Thanks for the help, guys.

 

there's no tool, you just need a hydraulic press