bp944

So I rigged up a makeshift bearing press and pressed the bearing until its flush with the trailing arm front but I need to sink it in the last 1/4 inch. Would it be alright to push it in with a washer that only lines up with the inside race of the bearing and not the outer race? I'm afraid I'll just push the bearing center out of the race.

Here's a picture almost to the point where its flush.

Sonderwunsch

No don't do that. It will damage the bearing. It would be a shame to do all that work only to have a premature failure after reassembly. Find something wide enough to contact the outer race.
What about the old bearing? Stack it on top of the new bearing to get that last 1/4".

931guru

Using the old bearing is a good idea... Bevel the edges slightly so it will be easier to remove your new tool when the new bearing is set...

bp944

Perfect, thank you.

kens_74911s

+1 old bearing race w/Chamfer + might want to sand or grind the OD down a tad first 1/4" so you don't press the old bearing into the hub and have to deal with hammering it out.

Olli Snellman

It does not take so long to remove the control arm..... Then you can use the proper tools.

tyro

I like how you've re-purposed the red fire suit into shop coveralls!

JimV8

I found that freezing the bearing for a week and heating the bannana arm in the oven the bearing only needed a couple of mild taps on a block of wood to set.