I dunno what year your van is, I've only done this on an '85 (I know '86
onward is different, I don't know about earlier years).

For my '85, the new races came with the new bearings, not with the rotors.

I was able to drive out the old races with brass drifts, and was able to
get the new races in without a press. Hardwood buffer, heavy hammer and
great care will get 'em in there.

At 02:06 PM 5/1/2006 -0700, John Goubeaux wrote:
>John,
>
>I have a follow up question on this topic:
>
>When replacing the front bearings, can they be removed without a puller?
>or are they pressed into the rotor?
>I also assume that new rotors are likely to come with races included?
>
>thanks -john
>
>John Rodgers wrote:
>>Two different problems. The real key to correct tightness of the wheel
>>is whether it turns free when the nut is tight. To tight, it won't turn
>>or it will bind in turning.
>>
>>The same checking action is used to check the ball joints. If they are
>>loose you will be able to see it.
>>
>>Regards,
>>
>>John Rodgers
>>88 GL Driver
>>
>>monte merrick wrote:
>>>its my understanding from reading more than hands on that a clunk and
>>>wiggle associated with front wheel is due to ball joints.
>>>
>>>monte
>>>
>>>
>>>On Apr 29, 2006, at 8:42 PM, John Rodgers wrote:
>>>
>>>Check the wheel for play by jacking the vehicle up, then grabbing the
>>>top and bottom of the wheel in question and rock it back and forth. If
>>>there is any play at all, see if tightening the nut helps. If not, then
>>>pull the wheel and whatever else, clean and inspect with a good light
>>>and magnifying glass,  the bearings and the races for wear - grooves
>>>and/or pitting. If found, replace the races and the bearings. The races
>>>can be removed with a flat tip punch and new ones installed using the
>>>old race, a block of wood, and a heavy hammer.
>>>
>>>DO NOT use the old axle nuts. Get new ones. These nuts are a special
>>>locking type and once used lose they safety margin.
>>>
>>>BTW, usually, but not always, a front wheel bearing develops a growl or
>>>whine when it is worn. Not a  clunk. I suppose it's possible for it to
>>>clunk if  you have worn the thing beyond the growl stage, or, if the
>>>axle nut is not sufficiently tight.
>>>
>>>Good luck,
>>>
>>>John Rodgers
>>>88 GL Driver
>>>
>>>robert shawn feller wrote:
>>>>I can notice a very slight play/clunk when I wiggle either front wheel
>>>>what
>>>>is most likely a wheel bearing. Its not tire rods/steering.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>On a vanagon is this a simple need for a repack or is any play a
>>>>definite
>>>>need for a new bearing? There is no sound what so ever coming from the
>>>>bearing.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>Sahwn
>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>"I long ago lost a hound, a bay horse, and a turtle dove, and am still
>>>on their trail. Many are the travelers I have spoken to concerning
>>>them, describing their tracks and what calls they answered to. I have
>>>met one or two who had heard the hound, and the tramp of the horse, and
>>>even seen the dove disappear behind a cloud, and they seemed as anxious
>>>to recover them as if they had lost them themselves." - henry thoreau
>>>