Bearing race removal

[Paulpen]

Bit of a simple one for you guys but im a bit stuck !

Im trying to get a set of axle bearing races (plain bearings) out of a classic car trailer but they are being rather stubborn !

The outer diameter of them is about 40 - 50mm and they are about 2mm thick but they are almost 2 inches deep so im finding it hard to find something that will go that deep in and grip it well.

I could resort to the cut them out option but ideally I need them in one piece as I need to get a new set machined as parts are no longer made !

Was wondering if anyone local fancied earning some beer money or had any ideas ?

Paul

 

[gordon stephenson]

You could still cut them out and then have new ones made, to suit the measurements you take of the bearing housing and axle spindle diameter factoring in for the fit and running clearance required, plus the length of course,

 

[Paulpen]

You could still cut them out and then have new ones made, to suit the measurements you take of the bearing housing and axle spindle diameter factoring in for the fit and running clearance required, plus the length of course,

All the places ive emailed have said they want it complete so they know all the sizes and what its made of but I might not have a choice !

Also the spindle is scored so the measurements may be changing lol

 

[shenion]

I would think the slide hammer bearing pullers would work.

 

[Paulpen]

I would think the slide hammer bearing pullers would work.

Me too but none of them seem deep enough and there is such a small lip for it to grip on to - has been in there for 50+ years mind !

 

[Robotstar5]

Can you heat the housing up then squirt freezer spray onto the track to free it?

 

[brightspark]

as said cut them out and give who ever machines them the spindle and the hub and make bearings to suit

 

[shenion]

Odd, the ones i used could easily reach 3". Similar to these:

 

[Paulpen]

Ahhh ive been using one of these type

http://www.oem-tools.com/products/show/27059

I cant really give anyone the axle tube as its attached to a 14ft trailer with no axles in it

As for heat and cooling all I really have is a blowtorch if thats any good ?

 

[john224]

What about running a beed off weld round the bearing then trying to knock it out,,

 

[Paulpen]

What about running a beed off weld round the bearing then trying to knock it out,,

Id be more worried about weling it to the axle to be honest - im certainly not a confident welder

 

[M@tt]

a trick i've used on wheel bearings on my pug is to run a ring of weld round the race.

Crank the amps up nice and high to put loads of heat into it

It could then be knocked off really easily with a chisel and hammer

 

[gavuk]

Are the bearings in blind holes or through holes?

 

[Windy Miller]

a trick i've used on wheel bearings on my pug is to run a ring of weld round the race.

Crank the amps up nice and high to put loads of heat into it

It could then be knocked off really easily with a chisel and hammer

I've used this trick to good effect on numerous occasions on FWD hubs, but unless I've got the wront end of the stick, these races are stuck in the axle tube - the OP would need to knock them out from the other side with a massive long drift which would be all but impossible!

Sounds like it really needs something like Shennion's suggestion, as it will grip onto the lip almost all the way 'round the whole circumference.

The weld bead idea MAY work with the OP's puller and a slide hammer, but as he says he isn't a confident welder. Shame you're not nearer to me - I'd have a look at it for you.

 

[Paulpen]

Yea - the axle is 6ft long with an 1inch diameter hole in the middle so getting to it from behind is impossible

At least ive got a few more options now - any local welders fancy having a go ?

 

[gavuk]

where in somerset are you Paul.....makes a difference ....

 

[Paulpen]

where in somerset are you Paul.....makes a difference ....

Oh yea lol

Taunton but the axles are in Wellington

I have 3 phase where it is if it helps ?

 

[gavuk]

nearly 2hrs from me Paul sorry .........I have used the long drift method,to stand any chance you need a mate at the bearing end forcing the drift into contact with the outer tube ,we used to use spanners or c-spanners as a lever to achieve a good pressure,works well .....Why not cut a measure as suggested?...

 

[Paulpen]

nearly 2hrs from me Paul sorry .........I have used the long drift method,to stand any chance you need a mate at the bearing end forcing the drift into contact with the outer tube ,we used to use spanners or c-spanners as a lever to achieve a good pressure,works well .....Why not cut a measure as suggested?...

I think that is looking like the best option to be honest but will try a few tools that I can borrow first

 

[Seano]

Paul, get yourself a good length of hexagonal stock bar, a decent sized hammer lump / sledge, heat the axle tube around the bearing track area and Robert's your mothers brother, or alternatively a length of tube, eg. scaffold or round solid stock that is slightly smaller in diameter than the id of the axle tube so that it slides inside and use the same method, the beauty of using the tube method is you have a full 360% bearing on the backside of the track and therefore will be knocking it out square as opposed to at an angle. simples....