Update On Astro Pneumatic Wheel Bearing Press 78825 and some Tips

[@AstroTools]

While our literature says the bolt is Grade 8, the bolt and nut are actually made metric grade 12.9 (exceeds grade 8). And it's 7/8" thread instead of 3/4" like OTC - coarse threads hold up better to impacting than fine. So whatever was done to it would have certainly nuked a fine thread 3/4" - it's just math at that point. We can send you an impact rated thrust bearing that may help keep the force where you want it though.

[@briancorbett793]

Astro, thank you for responding. I just received the 78830 tool, and I noticed the forcing screw major diameter threads measures 0.830", which to me is significantly undersized for a 7/8" course thread. (I also ordered the 78825, same 7/8" thread measures 0.865") I called customer service asked for tech support, was not able to get through, only to customer service, who was not able to assist with providing a spec. Can someone from tech support contact me? Perhaps this is what's wrong with Flat rate masters tool. I was having a good run with Astro tools...but this hickup, and the hickup with customer service has made me loose confidence in both the product and the support.

[@OTCTOOLGUY]

Hi - OTC uses a ¾” fine-thread jack screw with a proprietary thread coating that’s been shown to reduce wear and increase screw life up to 10 times that of competitors, with or without a thrust bearing.

[@VoltageDropDiagnostics]

I also have the Astro wheel bearing kit. But I have had pretty good luck with mine. What’s part number for the thrust bearing? I’d like to get one myself to ensure that my bolt lasts a long time.

[@ryanfay1]

Hey Astro, what lube on the bolt? Instructions don’t say.

[@ourkid2000]

What do you use for the thrust bearing? I'd definitely like to grab one.

[@jamesbruno5896]

I have the same kit, been using it maybe 12 months, zero issues, as with any press screw you need to keep it lubricated. I also added a needle bearing between the washers too... It is a course thread as compared to others but it's treated me well. Thanks for the update!

[@ureasmith3049]

I ordered this tool. CAn you send my a link to what this needle bearing is that I need? Thanks.

[@supersabrosinho]

@@ureasmith3049 it's like a secret society. I've seen several comments talking about that needle bearing but no one wants to give a part number. Smh

[@ureasmith3049]

@@supersabrosinho I ended up buying some cheap ones on Amazon. Did the trick.

[@ourkid2000]

@@ureasmith3049 What bearing did you go with if you dont mind me asking?

[@ureasmith3049]

@@ourkid2000 I learned from experience to always buy Timkens wheel bearings.

[@joshuamyers3185]

My set did same on screw. I believe it is the washers. I stopped using them and haven't had a problem since. Good luck and thanks for all your vids.

[@kovie9162]

I have the Astro kit and it's served me well. Granted, I've only used it a few times on only 2 cars, but it did exactly what it was supposed to do without any issues, and of course I made sure to lube the threads first. Used an impact on it even though officially you're not supposed to. And I got a proper SAE impact socket for it, at least for the nut. The bolt I used an almost identically-sized 32mm socket. A hydraulic press would have been nicer, but I can't justify and don't have the room for even a small one. It was a bit pricey for my budget at around $80, but it paid for itself compared to what local shops would have charged after just 2 bearing replacements. I've since used some of the adapters to press in races and seals and other odd tasks--carefully as they're not specifically designed for that. So, for a high volume shop that does a lot of press-in bearings it might not be heavy duty enough, but for DIYers it's way more than adequate in my experience, and does light double duty on other tasks.

[@1970chevelle396]

I have the HFT one. The threads were destroyed the first time I used it. I use a regular press to put those bearings in.

[@GCraigmile]

Good kit. I have the same one BUT I replace the forcing a screw and the large nut with one from OTC and I use a truck wheel lug installer bearing with mine helps a lot!!! 👍👍👍👍 after I did my upgrades the tool work a lot better!!!!

[@Drundel]

I just ordered that kit yesterday to remove the bearings from my ATV. Got a link or part numbers for what you replaced/added?

[@OneLegged-honda-mechanic]

You always want to hold the bolt and turn the nut. Lasts much longer that way.

[@zach914v8]

I too have my concerns with my el cheapo knock off press tools. I grese the bolts and only use hand tools on them and they seem to last forever. Leave the impact in the box.

[@jimhaines8370]

I always use an Extreme Pressure lube on screw and have a ball thrust bearing not just the washers and have been using it for at least three years no problems

[@joedevine404]

Whst bearing are you using with this?

[@jimhaines8370]

@@joedevine404 I can get the part number from work but just I just measure the bolt and look up ball thrust bearing and they come up every where I usually buy a couple on NOS from somebody will have a deal . I will measure bolt and get part number tomorrow.

[@jimhaines8370]

@@joedevine404 Timken T88W is one but many people have 7/8 bore thrust bearings INA etc.

[@supersabrosinho]

@@jimhaines8370 thanks Jim

[@jacobstamps7591]

“My method using an air hammer” 🤣🤣🤣 at least you are honest about it

[@altonriggs2352]

Now it's the perfect loaner.

[@x2122]

This is what happened to my co workers tool when he had a stubborn bearing, bolt got messed up washers got fubared. Astro warrantied them but that was on one bearing the first time he used it. Second time everything went smooth but seems like if you have to hammer it out it messes up the tool. On a side note my astro ball joint press as been tits 👍

[@terryharvey4811]

tits ??? Like big and floppy ?? More than a mouth full ?? Can't find it if you put a shirt over it ?? I must be too old to get it...

[@MR-je1jb]

I think it's all Billy. First of all that screw doesn't appear to have enough lube/grease on it and should be lubed before each bearing job. He also didn't know to use a standard socket on it??? What kind of impact was he using?

[@natepeterson7145]

The glory of borrowing out tools

[@michaelmcgregor3108]

I have found that a squeeze tube of cv axle grease work really good on puller threads

[@dc5723]

I would use both the OTC and Astro kits when pulling wheel bearings. You get what you paid for as the OTC Hub Grappler is 6 times more than the Astro 78825.

[@mcqueenfanman]

William Shatner pauses are strong on this one.

[@taky9937]

For a minute I thought the video title said the Astro Ball Joint kit, and almost crapped myself since I just bought that a few days ago lol.

[@RCRCustoms]

Use never seize and it'll help with the galling better than grease.

[@WatchWesWork]

To be fair, the Astro tool costs what, $65? And the OTC is $400+. I don't think we are comparing apples to apples. I use mine with a hollow hydraulic ram. Makes the job so easy. I know OTC sells a hydraulic ram for the hub grappler.

[@stevenfarley6909]

The tool is $70 and you got 2 dozen uses out of it. Your shop got at least 2 hours for each bearing. That’s not bad. The tool is a time saver. I wouldn’t complain. By the way, what vehicles do you use this on? I only see older cars with press-in bearings

[@junkyota]

I have found permatex assembly lube to be the best forcing screw lubricant, i havent hurt a puller since i started using it

[@ozzstars_cars]

When you literally get screwed lending out tools with screws.

[@CubasAutomotive]

😂😂😂 Always.

[@rodrigodelallata7140]

thanks for that, and that bolt is supposed to be a Grade 8 bolt you would think it would hold up. I was going to order this very same product from amazon, not to sure now

[@BobWhite777]

32mm socket is 1.26in, compared to 1.25in for SAE 1-1/4. Not much difference there. Would like to know what lubricant was used on the threads - grease, oil, anti-seize?

[@Ken-wu6hr]

Does It Do anything Different Then the Hub Grappler? I Still using a Hub Tamer need the Up grade Kit

[@jasonkirk8513]

Thank you I will be buying the otc

[@allenstrandberg]

I have the Harbor freight one and got the otc forcing screw to use with it so I can warranty the screw

[@86753091974]

I just use all thread from hardware store. They have the long coupler nuts too.

[@justinyoungstown]

Anytime we use the Mac tools hub grappler at the shop it's greased after every pull or press and in between those gotta stay super lubed. Dirty job pressing them in and out because ours is so greasy

[@bobbyu8991]

If they would use an acme thread bolt for removal this kit would last a lot longer I never use the cups stuck bearings wipe the threads out bolt is warranted but I think they send it on a sailboat

[@coreyhansen2665]

Nice review. Could you use the OTC forcing screw as an alternative?

[@terryharvey4811]

Yes.

[@luvdirt]

INA Banded Ball Thrust Bearing, Bore 7/8 In G3395901

[@michaelstjohn6086]

I'll be curious to know how easily and quickly it is warrantied with all this going on in the world.

[@AstroTools]

He hasn't contacted us yet, but right now about 1 day behind usual timelines (so about 24-48hrs to replace)

[@TheChrismanis1791]

Astro is badass on warranties do not sweat it if you buy one I have had this kit for a long time in a shop. His coworkers abused it even the grapplers fail from non care

[@TheOutwiththeold]

I have the powerbuilt set no problem yet.

[@ifitsnotbrokenfixit1193]

Sounds like Billy needs to step up his game on some tools.

[@zoticus1]

Personally own and used old redox harbor freight, works fine and use red syn,bearing grease to lube,shop has astro, shit threads but worked ok. What kills these things is hammering with impact when it's not coming lose, young buck needs to learn about the mapp gas and pb blaster!

[@sydsyd]

Worked in the industry for a long time...lending tools is a bad idea!

[@Toyotas_n__Tools]

Be cool to try one of those thread cutting tools

[@rayherrera3205]

Sounds like Billy needs to stop borrowing tools

[@flyingswallow3586]

Can’t pass it around the shop as a community tool then blame Astro when the threads are messed up. Who knows who used it and how, probably without any lube no matter what you say. I have the same kit and have more or less abused it through about ten bearings, still threads nice and smooth. And one factor you conveniently leave out is that you can buy three more kits for the price of the OTC.

[@mrobvious5892]

I quote “grease has been added to it”. Meanwhile, screw looks like it had a whole cubic millimeter of grease applied to it since it was first purchased🥴

[@mrmurdx8956]

How common is a bearing replacement in any shop.?

[@CubasAutomotive]

All depends on the shop. But I'd say most independent will see them a couple times a wk. It's a high wear component, IMO

[@thestig1899]

Is it 1-1/4 ?

[@gieauto7175]

Are impacts recommended on pullers?

[@TheWhiteEyedHusky]

No, but the ugga duggas makes it more fun

[@meanodustino9563]

I know for shop use everyone will use a air impact BUT you are not supposed to use power tools of ANY KIND. Hand tools only.

[@baileyhatfield4273]

Most of these even in demos show air tools/impacts being used on them. Matco kits Mac Snapon whatever. They know nobody is gonna use a breaker bar/ratchet

[@ryanfay1]

The directions show impact on Jack nut only wrench on bolt.

[@zannusx]

Do you guys not have a shop press or is this just easier?

[@BDauto86]

This is used on the vehicle so you do not have to remove the spindle.

[@etchosts8162]

Sounds like your buddy cross threaded it.

[@freshcharge]

So this is an upbreak. Non hardened China metal.

[@stevemazzarella7212]

Is Billy a young guy, I’ve noticed young guys only have metric tools!!!

[@supersabrosinho]

Yeah we do. SAE is useless in my shop... I use SAE sockets to hammer out bearings and such

[@jasonpaddock3580]

Cheap china metal!

[@baileyhatfield4273]

Better than HF or other cheapo ones, and it's the same or less cost.

[@johngibson3594]

Sad

[@ezeeduzzit]

Sounds like abuse

[@unitedwestand126]

OMG... so much time wasted talking when it could have been said so much quicker 🙄