Astro Pneumatic 78825 vs OTC Hub Grappler for Press in Wheel Bearings

[@flatratemaster]

Astro Pneumatic Tool 78825 amzn.to/3bRVhJY OTC 4579 9-Way Slide Hammer Puller Set amzn.to/2RexUme OTC 6575 Hub Grappler Kit amzn.to/39K2TNo

[@bostonboston4754]

I use this tool on a regular basis. Astro Pneumatic tool 78830. Pretty much three tools in one. I use this to remove pressed in hubs and to remove rusted in place rotors and drums. 78825 to install. Thank you for the video. Thank you to Astro Pneumatic for making quality tools at a reasonable price.

[@AstroTools]

Great video as always. There's actually the same number of adapters in the two sets. OTC: 13 adapters, 3 cup stacking plates, 1 hub install adapter Astro: 13 adapters, 2 cup stacking plates, 1 hub install adapter. The additional extra large cup plate and the cup (few required applications but can be nice to use) is available separately as 78825XLA. Should be everything. That's not to say one wouldn't work better than another in certain situations. Our application list also goes up to 2019 and lists around 300 more applications, albeit not in a large bound book.

[@x2122]

Co worker has the astro kit and first use it pretty much destroyed the washers. Car he was working on was pretty rusty but is that normal?

[@scottsmrcka2769]

Eric Busseau I have the old OTC version. Hub Tamer. I bought some extra Washers from the Farm supply store. I always grease all the contact points with synthetic grease. They have held up really well since I started doing it this way.

[@AstroTools]

@@x2122 Some heavy grease between each washer and bolt head should mitigate this. If not, drop me a line and I'll send you an impact rated thrust bearing. We designed it for use with this too, but in order to keep the cost down and compare in price to similar sets was not very feasible to include.

[@x2122]

@@AstroTools yeah I told him to o grease it but they got tore up still. I'll have him contact customer support. Thanks

[@x2122]

@@scottsmrcka2769 yeah I told my Co worker that they are expendable parts but first use they were done even with grease. Granted the bearing was a bitch to get out because of rust.

[@leoashrae4199]

I have the Astro 78825 and I bought the Astro 78830 to go with it. With these two, I pretty much have everything the OTC kit has in it (less an adapter or two). If I recall, my MAC guy wanted almost $500 for the OTC. He recommended the Astro to me, and sold me BOTH kits for a little less than $200. Seemed like a no-brainer at the time. In hind-sight it was, by FAR, the best deal. So far, I found the Astro 78825 kit covers all of the domestic and Asians that are my bread'n butter. I don't get much Euro-trash in my shop, so I just haven't found the need to expand on what the Astro kit already has in it. BTW: The Snap-On guy sold me a ball-bearing washer that works on the Astro puller screw. It helps quite a bit. I don't know what the Snappy number is, but I'm sure your dealer can find it.

[@AstroTools]

Shh, that's a secret

[@MrSupernova111]

@@AstroTools haha

[@aveilband]

ever find that part number?

[@leoashrae4199]

@@aveilband I'm glad someone reminded me because I did ask my Snap on truck guy for the number. He told me that it ISN'T a Snap-On part. He buys them for his customers from Zorro (Part # G3395901) for the 7/8" size. I never tried to buy anything directly from Zorro... I think it's some kind of industrial supply house that sells to the GMs and Fords, not us small guys. I know he buys them by the box, along with all the other sizes he needs for Snap-On size puller screws. Hope this helps.

[@tonychandler8908]

Keep it up Enjoy the videos I have learned so much from you and I am a 45 year mechanic I work on the 18 wheelers I have always work for a dealership getting to the end of my career

[@stevenfarley6909]

My wife got me the Astro kit for Christmas. I thought it was cool, but I rarely see press in bearings. Then one day we got two cars that had this style bearing. We saved so much time.

[@supersabrosinho]

I was banging my head looking at Amazon comparing these tools. I thought they were the same thing. Here you are, uploading EXACTLY what I was looking for. Thank you!!

[@jamesu]

Thanks for the video Michael. I had both but gave the Astro kit to an apprentice. Great tools for the job.

[@wty1313]

You can get the Astro version of the stand alone Grapper kit (78830 Heavy Duty Hub Drum and Rotor Puller Kit) for a little less than the Grappler one, PLUS it comes with the drum puller arms too. Anecdotal statements I have seen indicates it actually works better in some cases because of how the threaded section of the screw is compared to the Grappler screw (don't know if they are interchangeable).

[@1970chevelle396]

That looks like a good tool to have. I've been doing them on a regular hydraulic press.

[@jamesbruno5896]

I have that Astro kit love it! I added a bearing on the forcing screw. Happy Easter & stay safe FRM!

[@christopherenger1602]

What kind of bearing did you use?

[@jamesbruno5896]

@@christopherenger1602 I got a flat needle bearing that sits between the 2 flat washers.

[@chrisp7277]

@@christopherenger1602 A 7/8" truck wheel stud installer bearing works best. Will last much longer

[@mrweisu]

@@chrisp7277 can you give us a part number? Thanks

[@BDauto86]

I have the Astro kit and done Alot of bearings with it. Great kit, no issues at all.

[@kovie9162]

I have the Astro kit and although it's been a few years IIRC since I was replacing the hubs along with the bearings on a car with around 160k miles on it, I just punched them out from the inner part of the knuckle using either an impact socket or one of the smaller adapters (or both, I forgot). I tried a slide hammer but just found this method to be quicker and more effective.

[@VoltageDropDiagnostics]

I have the astro version and I have been very pleased with it as well!

[@meabob]

After trying some of my co-workers sets, I debated getting something like these. It didn't really seem like much of a time saver for me but it was easier on my body. One problem is up here in Michigan the rust usually makes it too hard to get the bearing retainer out while the knuckle is on the car. At that point I might as well use the press. I can normally do press in wheel bearings in 30 to 40 minutes my way or the Hub Grappler way. I do like the idea of using the adapters on the press. Maybe I'll get the Astro set just for that reason.

[@MrSupernova111]

I replaced my front wheel bearings recently and that's what I did. I bought a Maddox kit and used the adapters to press the bearing. I like the idea of using an impact ratchet to press the bearings but I worry that the impact ratchet and adapter kit might not always be strong enough to get the job done using them that way. Anyway, a 20 ton press with the adapters worked great for me.

[@jimhaines8370]

I go online and get a ball thrust bearing and it really helps cut down on friction and transmits torque to removing bearings.I use EP grease on the threads and never had to replace any parts yet.

[@vincescalise4821]

Thanks for the great information, and have a happy Easter FRM

[@junkyota]

Ive found permatex assembly lube to be the absolute best forcing screw lubricant personally

[@PaulysAuto]

Price is right and it gets the job done. Own this kit as well and it's a great way to get additional adaptors for multiple uses.

[@jasonbrindamour903]

I like the OTC tools as they are made in USA. I just recently bought the Grappler kit and their Super Ball Joint Kit. Quite expensive but the price through Summit Racing seemed to be the best (added week to get in hand from shipping though). I love that the ball joint tool is made from actual steel instead of Chinesaluminum. I ended up with a '11 Escape at bargain price, needs a windshield, liftgate (rust) and front bearings (it's like driving on saw blades...LOL). Once I sell the truck I'll have some darn good tools from that profit.

[@eurbanautotech]

Awesome video! I moved to a shop that doesn't have a on car wheel bearing kit. I HATE trying to set up knuckles in presses so I'm looking to buy my own kit. I don't use the hub puller in the OTC Hub Grappler kit. I found it to be a bit of a pain sometimes. I got a Lisle 40100 hub puller that is AMAZING! This Astro kit is like 1/10th the money but I REALLY like that eccentric washer in the Hub Grappler... It definitely helps center things if they don't start off perfect. One shop had lost their washer and I used it without. I found bearings were jamming up a lot. Would have to give centering taps with hammers quite a bit but almost never had to with the eccentric washer. I'm thinking I'll probably drop the thick cash on the OTC kit. I've used it a lot and never ran into a situation where it didn't work.

[@colemanbonner]

I don’t know if anyone is aware of this, but this exact set is on sale at HF for like $80 under the name “Wheel Bearing Adaptors.” You replace the forcing screw with one from an OTC Hub Tamer and boom.

[@flatratemaster]

The Astro pneumatic tool is the same price as the HF tool with a way better screw as well

[@colemanbonner]

@@flatratemaster heres a tip ive used with great success. Get a tube of "M-77 Assembly Paste" from your local honda motorcycle/powersports dealer. apply it regularly to the threads of any forcing screw in any puller tool. really helps prevent galling and wear. its 77% molybdenum disulfide. Honda spec's it for lubricating the splines on the shaft drives of bikes.

[@colemanbonner]

i know from experience that Carey Paul Honda in Snellville keeps it on hand. i work as a "master tech" (read- problem-solver/shop foreman) for a chain shop in gwinnett.

[@toolsmetals2148]

The OTC is something similar to what I use which is a Super Shark Hub Puller Removal Kit Made by Old Forge a extremely excellent designed Piece of equipment it for certainly makes the job simple and very easy most definitely a super time saver with the addition of the old forge bearing Press removal kit

[@ppap351]

I have the OTC hub grappler. Its an awesome tool well worth the cost. Good vid.

[@mrbobthebuilderss]

Astro makes a hub a drum puller to work with the kit you have, it's just not sold with it.

[@x2122]

I have that kit for pulling rusty rotors works great

[@wyattoneable]

You know better than I do but having the right tool, or at least a tool that has many options, sure makes the job go faster. I like any tool that is fun to use too. Have a great Easter Mike.

[@flatratemaster]

You to Wyatt

[@duckmonster921]

Love the grappler. Made a lot of money with it.

[@DeuceReggs]

i absolutly love my Astro Pneumatic 78825 kit

[@dc5723]

No probs with the Astro kit but same as you, I had to replace the forcing screw on the OTC Hub Grappler and Bosch gave me a hard time about it. I told them it was the first use of the kit and the cup crushed then the screw got bent. They eventually sent me a replacement screw and cup.

[@jeremyminten7812]

I love my OTC kit...I only wish I could slide hammer out the hub so easily...must be nice not to have rust on cars

[@MrSupernova111]

I used a sacrificial socket to get the hub out. Came out with a couple of whacks using a 3lb sledgehammer.

[@tonyharris230]

Here is the UK rust is on every thing, I have this kit and a slide hammer/puller kit but simply take hub off car put in vice and bash with socket and hammer to knock out the hub, never failed yet

[@RagedContinuum]

I did mine in the dirt - hammering on a large socket and later the old bearing works every time!

[@briancorbett793]

I think you mean a combination of Astro 78825 and 78830?? looks like the 78825 is just the adapters without the rest of the setup that the hub grapler comes with?

[@txhombre9693]

I use the evertough one from Oreilys works pretty good.

[@JaySosaNY]

I have a slide hammer but I’m thinking about getting the Astro kit and then the rotor drum puller to remove the hubs

[@bobbyu8991]

Had an early kit made by old forge hub puller rarely worked arms used to flex scary used slide hammer instead

[@firstielasty1162]

There is a comment here that the OTC stuff is made in USA. The last few tools I have bought from OTC are not. I also used to consider this a reason to buy from them, but no more. I have a lot of OTC things, including my 75 ton press. If they continue to charge as if selling "made is usa", but not deliver it, I'm done. I cannot afford to "subsidize" a company that is just flipping things from Taiwan or China. Sourcing from there does not make them bad products, but it sure makes them cheaper products. Not all Taiwan/China products are the same, either. I have found all Astro items I've bought to be excellent, and I'm starting to look to them first.

[@russelldainack595]

Astro pneumatic also sells a separate puller that is very similar to the OTC hub grappler

[@jonlytle1725]

Astro Pneumatic 78830, is this the tool you are referring to?

[@russelldainack595]

@@jonlytle1725 yes it is

[@3252009]

my shop got a hub shark and i hate it with a passion. i use my snap on ball peen stile hammer and beet the hub out and then just use my shop press for the rest. the bearing that is left on the hub i cut into just enough to use my air hammer to remove it. but most of the time i usually recommend a new hub when replacing press stile bearings because of previous experience of them being damaged from the customer driving to long on the the bad bearing.

[@ykmalachi]

So it looks like a version of the China Freight but with less adapters. Hopefully has a better jack screw as those are made of the crappiest metal possible.

[@vaughndibble4598]

I love my OTC Hub Grappler

[@thepawchoe2749]

Quick question; can I leave the knuckle attached to the vehicle in order to keep it steady?

[@smitty2jones]

I can't believe y'all use that thing. I just use a shop press, just about the same amount of work and I get to sit down while I do it!

[@oby-1607]

I have a Chevy Astro cargo van. Should I use the Astro kit on this?

[@almightiej]

does it need to be a brass hammer to fix if it’s cock eyed? mine was cocked eyed and i kept tightening with a brraker bar until the bar broke. when i got the bearing out the inside where the bearing susposed to sit was dented in and peeling out so it wasnt perfectly round anymore. does this mean i need a new knuckle now?

[@chriswebb3018]

So for less money you get lesser of a tool. But if you purchase a slide hammer and the add on kit for the Astro you right up there in price with the otc kit anyway.

[@jwilkers1]

Buy the $50-$60 Chinese kit (adapters and forcing screw) on Amazon then add the $150 hub grappler from Amazon if the forcing screw breaks Grainger has the right size. This set up does all of what you want at a cheaper overall price.

[@PatChapp]

Does the chinesium kit have the hub adapter?

[@jwilkers1]

@@PatChapp no that is what I am saying you have to buy two different kits you have to buy the OTC hub grappler and then the Chinese forcing screw and adapter kit.

[@flatratemaster]

Or buy the astro kit for 70😉

[@jwilkers1]

70 ain't bad

[@alfredgarcia7459]

Great video have you seen the Matco WBSS75 hub wheel bearing tool or is that the same as otc hub grappler just rebranded?

[@chrischairamonte1064]

Does anyone actually prefer a good shop press? I don’t have access to either of those tools. I ve gotten pretty good with the press. I ve used the on the vehicle type hub shark and I probably would prefer it but don’t have my own or access to one but I ve got a decent shop press. Just saying

[@87FoRunner]

Chris Chairamonte when I watched this, I had no idea this type of tool was an option lol. I reckon if there is only one press in the shop, this would be a much faster solution especially trying to beat flat rate.

[@bobbyu8991]

Be nice if they gave you two forcing screws an acme thread for removal only last a lot longer

[@BangBang-ge6tw]

I bought the 78830 and tried it on a 2009 Mercedes c300 4matic and it can’t pull out the hub…am I doing something wrong?

[@lukeloader]

What kind of gloves do you use? What material and thickness? I've been using Raven nitrile 6mil gloves. Have you ever used latex gloves? If you have how did they hold up?

[@aeok18109]

Is there a tool for removing the race stuck on the hub? I've tried cutting it and wacking it with a chisel before always end up going too deep and nicking the hub shaft. We don't have an oxy acetylene torch at the shop so I can't do the spin on a pin of some sort and heat it to drop it off. I've heard mapp gas won't get it hot enough.

[@BlindBatG34]

Looks like the Astro kit doesn't have the puller to remove the race from the hub either. You should pimp your video with the torch trick as well! $100 vs $500.... If you have a torch and a slide hammer that's a pretty smokin deal.

[@thomasdement7885]

Love the channel

[@db7040]

Hub Grappler. Well worth the $$$$$

[@chrischairamonte1064]

I am looking at the picture of the video and I can kinda see it but ya better make sure that backing plate is on there

[@flatratemaster]

No backing plate on that car

[@jasonkirk8513]

Thank you 👍

[@bostonboston4754]

This is a bit off topic. I like the trick that you used with the torch to remove the race from the hub. Do you think Map Gas could do the same thing?

[@flatratemaster]

Map isn't hot enough, you need to heat the race up fast, so you don't heat up the hub

[@SilentSniperVT]

I hate that crap. You need a tool several times or you borrow a tool and as soon as you buy the tool you don’t need it for months

[@ironrangeautotech8292]

Great video 👍

[@gncc600]

Is the flat rate master growing out his mullet in honor of Joe Exotic?

[@justforkiks29]

Have you ever had to use the small puller in the otc kit to remove inner races that get stuck on the hub?

[@flatratemaster]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/kIHIZYVui9Z4a6M

[@justforkiks29]

@@flatratemaster nice trick with the torch. How often do you come across a race that is stuck like that?

[@inverseuniverse5727]

Thanks Mike , Do you always use new hub ? Old hub ? Or depending on situation ?

[@flatratemaster]

We always presell a hub incase it is gauled up. If needed we use it if not we send it back

[@cardo1111]

As always a good vid. Thanks for making it. Do you think the Astro kit would work on an 'O5 Honda Odyssey front wheel pressed bearing?

[@flatratemaster]

Yes, i have done many Honda bearings with it

[@cardo1111]

Flat Rate Master Appreciate the response will order through link 👍🏽

[@stumpnc]

Time wise, how much time do you find that you are saving over going to the press?

[@ironrangeautotech8292]

Yesssss, exactly what was going through my mind while watching this as well!!

[@jwilkers1]

If everything works as intended (enough adapters) this can be done on the vehicle and should only take a few minutes. The shop press always seems to take me more time than using this tool, but if course your mileage will vary.

[@TheMechanicj]

Quite a bit don’t have to mess with separation off the ball joints and the press is slow unless you got a air powered one and if you have ever pressed a bearing don’t sound like you have some bearing press on from the front some from the back so gotta rig up something to stand the spindle up pain in the ass

[@stumpnc]

When I worked in a shop I was paid hourly. The shop had a press. There was no need on my part to spend the money to save time. I still do my own stuff at home. I also have a press. So from the diy aspect, does the time save justify the money? PS have slide hammer will travel............

[@TheMechanicj]

THaT GuYs 1 Channel for a diy who presses in maybe one a bearing a year no that’s 500$ you can spend on other tools but for a shop that does 15 a week yeah worth every penny especially when the car is from up north and removing any bolt takes hours of work.....now on the other side cars from up north sometimes have to be used on a press I had one so bad my 50 ton press was pushed to the max before it broke loose

[@johngibson3594]

Great video

[@MattJonesYT]

This video is not totally accurate because you say it doesn't pull hubs. I just pulled a hub with it and the manual shows how to use it to pull hub. I am happy to retire my slider hammer because I have the astro kit.

[@chekelley6861]

I have an otc pitman arm puller I need to warranty. How do I do that?

[@Redddie1337]

Che Kelley my Snap-on rep was able to sell me my hub grappler, so if you have a Snap-on rep they might be able to get OTC warranty stuff.

[@flatratemaster]

All of the tool trucks can warranty it or you can contact otc customer service

[@pelotas56]

Rust blows, in some cars the rust eats up the C clip ends. Really hate that

[@meabob]

Yeah!!!!!

[@johanramirez3589]

It is my impression, or accidently you broke the scan tool? It looks like the screen is broken.

[@flatratemaster]

Screen is not broken

[@user-fn4co4cw1q]

I don't get this tool. Why not just own the press which is far cheaper.

[@eddieds312]

Looks like you lost a couple pounds.

[@jedidiahcook2548]

Great video.