Bearing Puller vs Bearing Splitter: Diff Bearing Removal Tools

So, what's the difference? How does each method work? How much cost and time is invested into each tool? It's time for RWP to compare Bearing Puller vs Bearing Splitter.
In this What's the Difference episode, competition drivetrain installer, Erick Tucker, and drivetrain innovator, Tom Campion take a look at one class of tools used multiple times throughout a single install process. When the pattern doesn't read right, those bearings have to come back off for a re-shim. When they started off in the garage (decades ago!) the most common method they saw used was a Bearing Splitter in conjunction with a shop press or yoke. Then the "new kid on the block" arrived; the shiny new Bearing Puller with clamshells (part # 90-0001-1).
Timestamps:
0:00 Intro
0:30 Best Tools in the Garage
0:45 Bearing Puller vs Bearing Splitter
3:27 How to Use a Bearing Puller
5:05 Pinion Bearings vs Carrier Bearings
5:26 Using the Right Clamshell
6:20 RWP Links

[@rearwheelperformance]

Visit nationaldrivetrain.com & enter YT30OFF at checkout for a limited time 30% off a wide assortment of drivetrain & suspension components!

[@alcyon2sp]

superb ilustration

[@rearwheelperformance]

Thank you very much. We're trying our best to keep it simple, and illustrations and animations are a big help for a lot of these things.

[@angelsandoval6493]

A great video my friend. Congratulatios from Venezuela.

[@rearwheelperformance]

Thank you friend! We are glad our videos are helping people across the world.

[@ryanp9084]

Not sure why you don't have more views. This is the perfect information format, at least for people like me. Amazing work on the illustrations/animations!

[@rearwheelperformance]

Thanks a lot, and we'll keep trying to improve!

[@danielsaldana5487]

I just bought my first car and it’s giving my differential noises (Ford of course). So instead of taking it to a shop my inner primal manhood is forcing me to work on it myself. You guys really helped me decide which tool to get for the job thanks

[@rearwheelperformance]

Thanks, great to hear. We're rooting for your successful repair.

[@stevehanwright481]

Great work

[@rearwheelperformance]

Thanks a ton, we're trying!

[@flux_core_fx]

Very helpful, thank you!

[@rearwheelperformance]

We're trying and always learning. Thank you for the support!

[@spankranchgarage]

This is a great video thank you

[@rearwheelperformance]

Thanks, we hope it helped.

[@MrRanggong]

thanks. Great tips. Bought one. Please make more videos. I would listen to that woman describe anything.

[@rearwheelperformance]

Thanks man; we're glad you found the video useful. Our team hopes to have the time to make more videos soon.

[@liljohnnie69]

I used one of these many moons ago at the Ford school in St Louis. Just got around to buying one myself. Apparently I've been designated the rear end guy in my shop. Lol

[@rearwheelperformance]

We feel differential service and repair is a great skillset to have in the shop, and even better to be one of the few with the skills. Good job!

[@liljohnnie69]

@Rear Wheel Performance my boss does truck pulls as a hobby and he has lots of buddies that destroy their diffs on the regular. Think I'm gonna be busy....

[@newedgefrank3257]

Would it be bad to put grease in the carrier sides installing the bearings? So it would slide in better ? Is it a bad idea.?

[@rearwheelperformance]

Surely, but we don't since it can get hard to juggle everything and keep it in place. I would imagine things could get sloppy quick of it needs to be removed and reset a couple of times during the pattern checking/setting phase.

[@thatflymechanic]

I have a 3.06 differential on my dodge charger. Would it be possible to jump to a 3.91 differential

[@rearwheelperformance]

Most likely. What year and engine does it have?

[@thatflymechanic]

@@rearwheelperformance I have a 07 charger rt the 5.7 the differential is from a 2012 6.4 charger

[@rearwheelperformance]

@@thatflymechanic In short: yes it should be possible. We did something similar with our Challenger (in Differential Gears Explained: Choosing the Right Gear) taking it from a 3.09 to a 3.90 (and what a difference!!!). BUT it is something we bought from a Dodge dealer. No aftermarket gears are made currently since the ring gear is welded to the carrier. Hope this helps!

[@roysaenz5738]

I don't have neither. I just use my torch and get it red hot and push it off with a screwdriver if that, mostly it just falls off. I don't do enough of that work to spend the money :(

[@rearwheelperformance]

These puller and splitter tools are made to pull bearings in good and reusable condition. This is can be a big time and money savings, since there is always a chance that getting a perfect gear tooth pattern set-up may require several pinion shim changes, and that pinion bearing could be coming off and on several times. As much as we love torches, putting large amounts of heat into the inner bearing race will transfer into the pinion stem. If there is enough heat transferred to change its molecular structure it can leave the pinion stem more susceptible to fatigue and failure at some point.

[@hillarylevenworth8824]

What does Timken or SKF have to say about this method?

[@rearwheelperformance]

We never read their official press release(s) on that. If you have specific insight from them to share, it would be greatly appreciated. There's always 'that one person'.

[@bruizer28]

So who makes this tool?

[@rearwheelperformance]

Almost everyone and their cousin makes a variation on these. Google/Amazon/eBay/Walmart search 'differential bearing puller' for results.

[@Cachapeluo]

What model/brand you guys recommend? Yukon PF22 is $600+ on the other side you have Vevor brand on cheaper side. @@rearwheelperformance