Remove inner spindle bearings (best way)

[BucksNBroncs]

What is best way to remove inner spindle bearings?

Accidentally posted this in chat forum originally if someone has the ability to remove, feel free.
Thanks in advance

 

[JAFO]

Never had to pull it out yet. I installed a new disc brake conversion some years back during my build and when I greased the bearings recently all looked good.

Found one thread regarding this topic...
http://classicbroncos.com/forums/showthread.php?t=96282

It is just a needle bearing assembly. Should be easy enough to get out. You dealing with disc brake setup or the old drum brakes? If you are not trying to save them and don't have any special tools, I'd probably take a small chisel to the bearing housing, taking care not to damage the spindle innards.

I noticed that Wild Horses sells some bushings to replace the needle bearings. Claims to last longer. If I ever need to replace mine I guess I would try the bushings.

http://www.wildhorses4x4.com/product/Extreme_Spindle_Bushings_Dana30-44

 

[bigjhoov]

I use a throw out bearing puller similar to this.

https://www.google.com/search?q=sma...hrow+out+bearing+puller&imgrc=rxdNy-G3sM2ypM:

 

[BucksNBroncs]

Thanks for the link. I am changing them out of necessity (used parts) and upgrading to discs. I've tried the brass punch and it's a bad angle to punch them out due to the "shoulder" on inside of spindle. Was hoping somebody had a "trick" to work around....

 

[bigcountry]

I take a long punch or you can use rod and grind an angle on it then punch it out from the front side. Some 1/4" round stock works as does square key way stock. I have a long punch that I use just for this. I put just enough angle on the end to form a point to catch the edge.

 

[englewoodcowboy]

Ive tried the throw out bearing remover and the lips of the bearings just broke off so now I don't even mess with them. I simply weld a bead, about 2 passes all the way around right on top of the needle bearings then I can take a long drift from the other side and pop them out while they are still very hot. I can have a set of them out in less than 5 min and no sweating/cussing etc. it just gets done. When I tried the bearing puller I spent a good 20 min with no success on just one other than breaking the lip off, having the needles fall out etc. and still ended up welding a bead.

 

[migs]

I use a couple of "homemade" woodruff keys, they are cut from 1-1/2" diameter round stock and are 3/16" thick. could probably find some off the shelf that would work.

I slide them down the center of the spindle and place them on the bearing lip opposite each other. then take a piece of round stock or pipe closest to the I.D. of the spindle hole and hammer or press it out. works great!

 

[Glass Pony]

I take a long punch or you can use rod and grind an angle on it then punch it out from the front side. Some 1/4" round stock works as does square key way stock. I have a long punch that I use just for this. I put just enough angle on the end to form a point to catch the edge.

Same here.

 

[BucksNBroncs]

Thanks for all the suggestions!

 

[JAFO]

I have a toolbox drawer labeled "Special Tools" and inside that drawer is all the crazy tools I have fabricated to get special jobs done. Heated wrenches bent at funny angles. punches and chisels ground a certain way. Deep socket welded with a handle so I could change a sensor on a 7.3L diesel and not remove a bunch of other crap. Bolt with nut welded on and the head fits my D2 Cat oil drain plug. You'll have one of those fancy tools for your drawer when done with this job.

 

[SavageBurro]

I will try migs process next time, but I've used a flexible bit on a dremel where they wont drive out. Worked pretty slick.

 

[blubuckaroo]

Thanks for the link. I am changing them out of necessity (used parts) and upgrading to discs. I've tried the brass punch and it's a bad angle to punch them out due to the "shoulder" on inside of spindle. Was hoping somebody had a "trick" to work around....

I sacrificed a brake spoon. I cut it off with a hacksaw. It makes a perfect off-set punch to get those bearings out.

 

[BucksNBroncs]

I took bigjhooves' advice and rented a slide hammer with pilot bearing puller attachment. Had the bearings out of both spindles in less than 2 minutes. Thanks to all for the suggestions. I'm sure they all would have worked well.

Now if the dang caliper paint will ever dry I should get to test out the new disc brakes

 

[Scoop]

Just did this last week. I tired driving them out with a punch - it just took the lips off. It took about an hour before i gave up. A dremel with a stone bit got them out in about a minute!

 

[Pa PITT]

... I use an old Ken TOOL BRAKE ADJUSTING tool .. As someone said . It works as an Offset Punch .. .. I must have taken 40 to 50 sets out.
.. It has worked forever.. I 1st used it in about 1986.. But I guess it's getting old. I hammer on the top side with a 2 lb hammer & it bent last time I used it. But it still worked. ..
... Some of the tech would call me & ask to borrow it. When I owned my parts store. If they had a tough one that would not budge.
... You have to hold it with pliers because it does bounce. But it will get them out.
..................
.... I need to find it & post some pictures .. Several of you guys have ask for pictures of it before I knew how to post a picture.

 

[bax]

you guys are too fancy. I take a long 1/2'' bolt. Put the head against the bearing and drive it out.

 

[KyleQ]

Easiest way I've found is to knock the needle bearings out and attack one spot with a carbide burr. Grind through one side and it pops out every time - it doesn't even matter if you get into the spindle a little bit.