I have read many of the posts on this site about the removal/replacement of the front wheel bearings and I wanted to share with all of you what I did and see what comments I receive.
I did not need bearings on this car, but I needed to replace the rotors which are behind the hub. As we all know the bearing is pressed into the hub. Also I am not really sure of the correct term for this part, but it is what I would call the spline that the half shaft slides into is also pressed into the bearing.
What I did was remove the large nut on the half shaft. The I removed the four bolts holding the rotor to the hub. I then inserted 2 smaller bolts into the holes in the hub and attached a nut to the bolt behind the hub. Once I started to tighten the bolts evenly it pushed the bolt against the rotor and pulled the bearing apart. From what I could tell it didn't seem to take much effort for this bearing to come apart.
I then replaced the rotors and then using the nut for the half shaft to press the bearing back together again.
I am well aware that many say that I destroyed the bearing by spliting it open, but it did come apart very easily, which seemed strange to me.
I have been driving the vehicle for several months now with no problems. I also have checked for play in the bearings several times and there is none. I would asume if one of the bearings were to go bad I would here it well before anything serious would occur.
All your comments are welcome and I do know that the possibility is very high that I will need bearings fairly soon. I just wanted to share this with everyone.

 

the bearing is not pressed into the steering knuckle. you just have to tap the perimeter of it until it falls out. then you unbolt the rotor from the hub. there's no need to break the bearing apart unless you are replacing it.

 

Well I learned something I guess. Is it safe to drive like this or should I think about replacing the bearings.

 

it's fine as long as the bearings aren't loose or making noise.

 

there is also the four bolts from behind the hub that actually bolt the bearing into place.....

another method is to take those out and you can put civic headstuds in there and hit them really hard, alternating, and it will push the whole assembly out.