Not done it before. Do I have to take the bearings out or can I mask over? Think I know the answer but just in case...got three sets to do and don't fancy extra cash for new bearings
You need to take them out mate, the powder coated wheels are baked at about 200 degs (gas mark 8) so there's a chance that any grease would melt and the rubber covers distort. You could always leave them in, get them coated then see how they've faired. That would also save you having to mask everything off.
Make sure they take care around the bearing recesses when media blasting. I had to use a bonding adhesive on the bearings because they had been too enthusiastic.
Must take them out. Put in new ones afterwards, or maybe re-use the old ones if they are good enough. Wheel bearings are not that expensive, and you really don't want one to fail.
the paint wont, but the powder coating could if your clumsy. Taking them out and ensuring the bearing housings are sealed prior to media blasting and coating is the correct way to do it.
Remove them to be on the safe side and ask that they fully mask up all bearing surfaces, If they are reusable then put them back or replace with new ones. The preparation tends to kill the bearing not so much the spray and baking process. I found that they used a very heavy grit to blast off one set of wheels that I left the bearings in on. I ended up replacing the bearings after that episode as they were so gritty they were never going to be completely clear of all the blasting grit. Avoid general powder coaters and go for a specialist\s as they know what to do and how to treat your wheels etc. It is not the same as blasting alloy garden furniture!!! and not all seem to realise this.
Ok. Take them out and replace. Just to find a local coater who knows what he's doing then. And the right shade of gold...
