Dana 44 inner wheel bearing removal

[jbhurstusmc]

I hate asking stupid questions but this is the first time I've pulled apart a Dana 44. Any tips on the easiest way to pull the inner wheel bearing off the spindle? The Haynes I have doesn't explain the process very well.

 

[mr.n]

I hate asking stupid questions but this is the first time I've pulled apart a Dana 44. Any tips on the easiest way to pull the inner wheel bearing off the spindle? The Haynes I have doesn't explain the process very well.

This one?

I've some notes on my web page: http://77cj.littlekeylime.com/Mr.N44.htm

 

[trailpsycho]

Yeah, as the pic shows, once you remove that seal, it will pretty much fall out. Make sure you also knock out the race and replace it with the new bearing... also pack your bearings well. Good luck!

John

 

[jbhurstusmc]

Thanks guys. I'll do it to it at daylight.

 

[jbhurstusmc]

Okay. Bearing is still on the shaft. I pulled the drum housing off and the seal just came off and the bearing stayed put. Good method for removal? Anyone ever tried a gear puller or do I have to get it pressed off?

 

[vuke]

It should jsut fall off... Have you tapped on it? Are they still good?

 

[surfer-b]

From the description the seal went bad and the bearing ran out of grease siezing it on the spindle, don't wory about the bearing take a hammer and knock it off, be careful not to damage the spindle, you will probable still have the inner part of the bearing on the spindle, heat it up and use a brass punch or something soft so that it will not scar the spindle to knock it off.

 

[jbhurstusmc]

Thanks. I'll give it a shot. I hate banging around near the spindle without hearing from someone else first.

 

[Simpson]

Be careful hammering on bearings and races. If you use the wrong type of punch the hardened steel can shatter and send small slivers flying. I spent about six months digging one out of the end of my thumb and made an ER visit to get one out of a vein in my arm. Use the brass drift as mentioned. good luck.

 

[jbhurstusmc]

Thanks Simpson. The people at the hospital are getting to know me by first name. I don't need any extra trips. I'll make sure and go with the brass.

 

[NMBronco77]

A new spindle is a lot cheaper than an emergency room visit. You very possibly trashed the spindle anyway if you spun the inner race and welded it to the spindle. Check it out real good before you even try to remove it. If it looks like it is welded on there, just buy a new spindle.

 

[NMBronco77]

Oh yeah, in the future, a great easy way to remove the inner bearing and seal is to remove the wheel bearing nuts, push the hub a little sideways and the outer bearing will fall out. Then thread one of the wheel bearing nuts back on and give the hub a good yank outwards. The hub will come off and the inner bearing and seal will still be on the spindle. Then just unthread the nut and slide the bearing and seal off. It works great. Done it a hundred times.
Also, If you are looking to see if your inner bearing is welded to the spindle, a good indication that you trashed your spindle is if it has discolored from heat, brown or worse yet, blue. If it is discolored, it means that it got real hot and has changed the properties of the the steel. If it is discolored, I would not reuse it. It could fail on you at the most inopportune time, like hitting a pothole while doing 60 MPH and having your front wheel fall off. Bummer!!