97 CRV 4wd Front wheel bearing relacement?

Can one remove the front wheel bearing from the hub without a press?

Parts person says no need to remove the front knuckle to press it out.
Cannot find a service manual that gives clear instructions or a picture.

Parts picture does show the bearing and retaining clip but not how the disc
hub is held into the knuckle. Bearing seems way too small to fit into that
big hole in the middle of the knuckle.

Haynes skirts issue by saying requiers special tools. The Chiltons I can
find indicate a pressed bearing inside a housing pressed into the knuckle.

Who do I believe before I start something I cannot finish since I have no
press.

Thanks

Duane

 

if you want to do it without removing the knuckle, you still need
special tools. google 'otc hub tamer'.

other options:
1. buy a cheapo chinese 20t press for $160 [as i did recently].

2. get friendly someone that already has a press. if you have the
stripped down knuckle, and deliver, with the bearing, you won't get
charged much. it's a 20 minute job to strip the knuckle if you have the
tools.

it's technically possible to replace bearings without presses or special
tools, but it involves very large hammers and an extremely high risk of
damage to the new bearing. i really don't recommend attempting it
unless you know exactly what you're doing - and with respect, that's
unlikely if you're having to ask.