So I'm planning on doing a front brake job with new rotors. I've read in a repair manual that I'll have to install a new set of bearings/race/cage for the new rotor assembly. Can I do this on my own with a brass hammer or should I just bring it to a garage and have them press it in?
You can dooooo itttttt!!! The outer bearing doesn't need to be pressed in. The inner will go in with a hammer. I just tap it in in a circular motion with a regular old claw hammer. I don't have any fancy brass stuff. No problem.
Rotors usually come with the bearing races in them, so don't worry about them if your buying new rotors.
I didn't even press my bearings in, it's not needed. What i did was put it together on the spindle, tightened the nut about as tight as i could get it, and backed it off 1/4 turn.. that is usually perfect. You can then judge how much drag should be left, and bam your done.
This is a very easy job, nothing to be intimidated by.. just might have to get a little dirty when packing the bearings.
Just, my two cents from a bad experience:
Make sure you install the cotter pin at the end of the spindle along with the cap. Before i was mech. inclined i got a brake job done at midas and the wheel fell off! DONT REUSE THE OLD PIN! Its cheap insurance ($0.59 to be exact at Autozone) to buy new, never-been-bent ones.
Good Luck
You are actually just tapping in the seal. The hardest part will be getting the bearings greased without a grease tub. You can do it, just make sure you get plenty in there. Don't overtighten the spindle nut when you are putting the thing back together, it will wipe out your brand new bearings.
To clear up my last post.. if you use my method, when tightening the nut I went about as hand tight i could with a regular 1/2" ratchet (without putting all my weight into it or anything.. but pretty tight).