How To Remove Pressed-on Bearings - EricTheCarGuy

[@otherstuffbybob]

Eric THANKS.....I just replaced both my wheel bearings on my Grand Cherokee. I Would have never even attempted taking out my axles until I saw your video. Napa pressed on my new wheel bearings and the price included cutting off the old ones. Thanks again for the video!!!!!!!

[@stevebowen9412]

I use this method all the time because I don't have the money or the space for a press, or the money for the various pullers I would need for all the different things I work on. However when I get down to the inner races I usually cut @ about a 50 degree angle with the blade tilted 20 degrees. Doing it this way makes the cut a little longer but can avoid cutting any of the other parts. Great video.

[@jarinwilson9539]

Retainer plate(flange) type axle set up. Axle shaft bearings are pressed onto the shaft vs. the axle bearings be pressed into the axle tube commonly found on c-clip axles. This method of removal is a good alternative for those who do not have access to a press. Sometimes you just have to improvise. Great video

[@RaisingAwesome]

I know this is an old post, but I appreciate it. I elected to proactively change my rear axle bearings on my 99 Jeep, and once again, you popped up in the search and your video gave me the confidence I needed. Although I do have an air tank and cutoff tool, I went with my Dremel since it had a smaller cutting disc. This allowed me some room for my unsteady hands. The local Napa shop was kind enough to press the new ones on for just $20, bucks. Since I saved so much money on this job, I applied the savings to a 12 ton press from Harbor Freight for $134 for future use. I saw it in the store and it does take up much room at all and will be great for these kind of projects. Thanks again!

[@fisqual]

Man, for some reason I always thought this would have been frowned upon, I've done this a dozen or more times. Thanks for making me feel like a real mechanic instead of a janky one. :)

[@katherinezhang1318]

nice video. I used to do it the same way like u did. Then I tried another way. here is how I did it cut the bearing cage with big side cuter and let bearing inner race exposed. heat the bearing at one point only with oxy acetylene torch or two part fuel torch until becomes red. while the bearing still red spray the bearing inner race at which you just heated with gum remover or ice cold water. the bearing will crack right away. it works for me every time. this will keep the shaft clear of any nicks,cuts and its faster. no chiseling no flying metal particles. lol the trick is to keep the temperature differential as much as possible. the down side is that not every has access to torch. however propane torch works sometimes for me. hopefully it helps. thanks

[@jackle842000]

Is there any part of the axle that's hardened that needs to stay that way that heating might cause it to bend it wear excessively later? I was thinking I read some axles are hardened but not real sure.

[@ericthecarguy]

@ddut887 When installing the bearings I prefer to use a press, in this case I used the old collar and placed it against the bearing to install it. I din't want to make a video of this part because I don't like doing it. Interesting suggestion about the heater I'll have to look into that. Thanks for your input.

[@TheSmoooooo]

i was going to get a repair shop to do it for me but reading your comment makes me wanna do it myself now.

[@pickerfixer]

Back in the day (70's) I worked in a machine shop and we would press the bearings off axles. It was fairly routine except for Chrysler products that needed the ring removed by hammer and chisel prior to pressing off the bearing. We used a burlap cover to prevent ball bearings from flying around as they might with 8 tons of force applied. This seems a decent alternative.

[@CaptainBackFat]

I'd like to have a beer with Eric the car guy and bullshit about cars. Eric, your videos are great and this one just confirmed the steps in the procedure I'm about to do.

[@Vivaldi111]

This guy is so cool...offering all this excellent in-depth info for free...very rare in this time and age

[@ericthecarguy]

@tdlewis103 After years of trying other stuff I've found this method to be the most efficient. Good luck with your project and thanks for the comment.

[@tdlewis103]

thanks Eric- I'm faced with this exact problem trying to get pressed on bearings off my recently purchased Makita Planer/Joiner. I tried forcing a gear puller behind the case and promptly broke the gear puller. Next, got out the torch, cooked the heck out of it, but not much progress. Tomorrow, the air grinder gets his chance, thanks to you!

[@ericthecarguy]

@srtxsara If you can't back the adjuster off enough then cut the heads of the hold down pins on the back of the backing plate, this will allow the brake shoes to pivot out as you remove the drum and not damage the components, new hold down pins come in a hardware kit.

[@FieldBoy111]

My brother's name is Erik and he is kind of a useless deuche. You, on the other hand, are pretty cool and make decent videos.

[@CraigArndt]

I did it the same way, great video. Used a 20 ton harbor freight press and no more oil leaking!

[@xenolard]

Hey Eric, when I do this I normally cut at a 45 degree(ish) angle. Two reasons: 1) Normally avoid cutting things you don't want to. 2) if you need to apply some pressure with a blunt striking implement afterwards, you can hit the cut with the chisel rather than risk damaging the mating surface. Die grider thing is snazzy though. Sounds like it uses alot of air. what size compressor do you use? Cheers. Love the videos.

[@s46d45m17]

I rebuild industrial refrigeration compressor and this is the same way we remove the bearing races some are 4" in dia, now to put the bearings on I put them in refrigeration oil and heat them for about 1 hour till they get to 300 degrees and then pull them out with welding gloves on and hurry and slide them on before they cool once cooled it's just like they were pressed on, have you ever did this on axle bearings . Thank you.

[@ericthecarguy]

@Jed118 A press is the best method by you can sometimes hammer them back on but you need to take measurers to ensure you don't damage the new bearing if you do it that way.

[@ericthecarguy]

@peektwice I'm in the same boat but perhaps it might be time for an upgrade. Thanks for your comments.

[@ericthecarguy]

@Vanuatoo I have so many, I don't have a favorite brand or anything. Find some that feel comfortable and make sure to ware them, that is the most important thing. Can't tell you how may times I thought, "I'll just do this real quick" and ended up with something in my eye.

[@ericthecarguy]

@Flakosowavyy If it's what I think it is it's the hub, it is separate from the bearing but you really can't replace it without replacing the bearing too as you will have to remove the inner race from the hub and I'm not sure how to do that without damaging it.

[@ericthecarguy]

@raidacaipo Yes, there is always more than one way to do something and I respect that. My way is not the only way and I'm more than OK with that. Thanks for the comment.

[@ericthecarguy]

@edisystems I'm glad it worked out for you, thanks for the comment.

[@jonathandelpozo5407]

This really is "Old School!". Used to do this with a torch before the pneumatic meat slicer came along. Using a torch one had to be really careful to not get into the axle itself. When the pneumatic goodies came along, things changed. I've always used a press to reinstall. Of course a really long section of close fitting pipe always worked too. Have fun!

[@ericthecarguy]

@cptnxavier I don't have enough space here to answer all of your questions sorry. As for the direction of the bearing you want the cone to face inward, yes you do need to install the seal which you may need to put on before you install the bearing. If you install the bearing without the seal all the diff fluid will leak out and that would be bad. The best advice is to install the new parts in reverse of the parts you took out.

[@dynodon427]

Complete agreement with Eric. That is how I did it for years. Never damaged an axle

[@petermoger8135]

Jesus christ Eric! Normally I watch your videos because I enjoy learning about cars. Now I have this problem with the rear wheel bearing on a Maserati Biturbo, and you got me out of this jam in about 5 minutes! Furthermore, you seem to be the only person on the internets willing to share this knowledge.

[@NoStress90s]

i live by eric the car guy's saying, stay dirty. and that's just what im doing, I havnt showered going on 2 weeks now, got some crust build up but its all good!!!

[@ericthecarguy]

@mazzmari Yea, I've seen more than one Jeep with leaking axle seals, I'll see if I can get a press and show the entire procedure next time.

[@ericthecarguy]

@srtxsara That is a tough one, sometimes I cut the 'nail heads' off of the hold downs on the back of the backing plate to allow the brake shoes to come out without damage, you can get new hold down pins in a hardware kit which usually aren't that expensive. Good luck.

[@graemewilliams1308]

Just removed my rear bearings (97 Falcon XH Ute) had to use dremel & cutting discs instead of air/angle grinder, bit slower but easier to control without damaging axle. Had to heat up new bearing & collar to re fit. Bearing drppped straight on easily, collar had to be pounded on using aluminium drift & masons malett. Thanks to Eric The Car Guy for the tip.

[@ericthecarguy]

@NissanAltima2005 From the sound of it that seems like your best option. Be careful with those gears however they are hardened steal and will break if put under too much stress.

[@ericthecarguy]

@tbmav56 You didn't hear this from me but if you take the old spacer and slide it over the bearing you can hit the new bearing into place, it's hackish but it does work.

[@ericthecarguy]

@whatsdare Glad you like them, thanks for the comment.

[@ericthecarguy]

@ncrdisabled I have a 26 gallon Campbell Hausfeld compressor, not sure of the CFM but it's not really rated to run my cut off wheel, for that I should go to a larger compressor. At some point I hope to go to a 60 gal or above with a belt driven pump.

[@ericthecarguy]

@NissanAltima2005 As far as I know the end play is usually take up by the bearings. If your endplay is excessive in a gear box it's usually the bearings that are at fault. Not sure if shimming would help. Come to think of it most gears are cast and machined to the shaft, are you talking about the gears or the syncros?

[@HostileHST]

To put the bearings and collars back on, you can use a 1/8" pipe a few inches longer and slightly larger in diameter than the axle to beat them on and they will go on evenly. When cutting off bearings/collars, you can make a home made protective collar that can help prevent those accidental nicks into the axle. As for the square part with the bolts, put a small 1/2" wide x 1/8" thick piece of flat steel folded over to look like a U or just use a U type retainer fastener.

[@ericthecarguy]

@mrjost55 Of course, I hope to work on a multitude of projects as they present themselves. I'm at the mercy of what comes into the shop at this time however so I have to wait for things to show up. I am unable to schedule video repairs at this time.

[@ericthecarguy]

@tahnaya03 I'm happy to help, thanks very much for your comments.

[@ericthecarguy]

@trek01100 Not yet I've been hoping to see one of those at the shop, as soon as I do I hope to make a video of it.

[@ericthecarguy]

@FITVANITY11 You don't have to replace the locks just get them re-keyed. Lock cylinders can be altered to fit any key. Look for a locksmith locally, they should be able to handle that for you.

[@ericthecarguy]

@Flakosowavyy To be honest it's impossible to tell from where I sit. If the problem was not there before you started swapping axles I would suspect that first.

[@ericthecarguy]

@v7nf I actually hope to do a video on that at some point but to be honest it's been some time since I did one. It does take a fair amount of skill to set it up properly and if you don't set it up properly you run the risk of damaging your new parts.

[@exvolution1]

So why would someone want pressed on bearings need to be removed? And after you are finished removing them, how would you replace them? These videos have taught me a great deal and thanks.

[@bstevermer9293]

Eric keep on the fight. Every dealer I've worked at, I would call this real world. It called warranty book time, not take all day time. Real world.

[@ericthecarguy]

@srtxsara OTC makes a drum puller that might be your only option, other companies make them as well, you might see if you can rent one. You may destroy the drum in the process however so keep that in mind, either way it sounds like you have a fight on your hands.

[@ericthecarguy]

@Radcnc As a flat rate tech I would say that would take too long but it would work if you could just heat one and cool the other.

[@ericthecarguy]

@TheAccordlx I appreciate your enthusiasm, thanks very much for the comment.

[@MrCraigspencer]

Thanks for the videos education. Im geting to be an old HVAC guy and consumate do it yourselfer on every other trade thing out there.

[@ericthecarguy]

@trek01100 I'm glad it worked out, thanks for the comment.

[@ericthecarguy]

@riz690 Glad I could help. Thanks for the comment.

[@ericthecarguy]

@Anacinc I'm not a fan of heating bearings, the easiest way is to use a press to put this together but you can use the old collar to "beat" the new bearings on. I hope to make a video of how to do this from start to finish when I get a press. Thanks for your comment.

[@ericthecarguy]

@ddut887 That's the main reason I don't heat bearings, mostly because I don't have the proper equipment to do so, it appears I was correct in my assessment. Thanks a lot for your input I really appreciate the opinion of an expert.

[@ericthecarguy]

@riz690 Yea that's pretty much how it's done. Thanks for the comment.

[@Sukhajindaa]

you are doing a great work man . i also do same but mostly on heavy machines like tractors here in india . i'll use this technique on some bearings..thanks

[@zxtenn]

Hey Eric, great idea assuming air and a grinder are available but as you say people need to be CAREFUL as if they slip NG, myself i don't have air so i would have to bring somewhere. I did something similar with my 96 GC for removing the final track bar bushing sleeve, i took a hacksaw to the inside until i nearly was through then the pressure was released. I have since replaced the track bar and all front end parts inc. steering box.

[@ericthecarguy]

@AngryGunNerd I've done it myself, I solved it by cutting a slot in the backing plate so that I could slip it back in and fasten it down. Your right though, the best way is not to forget it in the first place.

[@davidbarnett1033]

Thanks Eric. Good video. I've done it the same exact way, just look at what is there, know what your end result is, and go for it. Of course, there are several other ways. You don't have to be Scottish to know that there is a reason to save some cut off wheels when they are worn down, smaller diameter lets you get closer to the inside edge. One thought, I keep one chisel that isn't sharp, actually ground with a radius so you don't nick the shaft under the bearing. I keep another chisel ground flat on the end, comes in handy too. A carbide cutter works well in an air grinder to do same job. Big buck shops have bearing heaters for installing. Use a tempilstick (for welding) so you don't overheat the bearing. Google appropriate temperature for heating, and so you know which temperature tempilstick to buy. Clean up well, (cut-off wheel debris and bearings are a no-no) and the bearing should drop on. If you can put the shaft in a freezer for a while, check temps with your Infrared Gun, that will reduce the OD a bit. No need for a BFH for installation. Thanks Eric, keep up the good work. You are a good service for many!

[@ericthecarguy]

@Ignad Yea that would work too, thanks for the suggestion.

[@susanmerlindavis7960]

I've used this method many times myself. If it works, it works. After all, it is the same end result either way. Great video. I'm getting ready to do my first ever transmission rebuild. Any tips?

[@Littlemac181]

I think your videos are great. But I think what you're doing here is giving backyard mechanics the procedure and confidence they think they need to do the job, and end up wrecking crap. In other words, being an auto tech, thank you for all the extra work :) haha

[@ncrdisabled]

Great idea will save me time . What kind of compressor do you use and how much cfm I have one but it will not run the air grinder it is only 2.5 cfm at 90lbs. Please keep the videos comming!!!

[@ericthecarguy]

@tahnaya03 I've never had a problem with that as the bearing will never make contact with it, you should be fine.

[@jplkenny]

When i first saw the title i was exited because i tought i was going to see the "professional" way to do this with a press and a bearing splitter. This hillbilly method is my way as well. It has always worked and never had a problem with it.

[@josiahonzere2560]

great idea i have learned a new skill of dealing with removal of bearing.please kindly can you advise how to remove a tightly fixed sprocket on a motor or a shaft without cutting.

[@ericthecarguy]

@420bobbob This is EXACTLY what you would be looking at, in fact I was replacing a leaking axle seal on this Jeep.

[@ericthecarguy]

@JJ7663 Welcome to the party and thanks for the comment.

[@ericthecarguy]

@MileyCyrus192 It's a rear axle from a Jeep Grand Cherokee.

[@ericthecarguy]

@tarpumpphillips I think removal is easier with this method but I like to install them with a press.

[@ericthecarguy]

@DavidSyntax I didn't do the install because I don't have a press yet, I really don't want to show beating the new parts on, I would rather show a more "correct" way. Thanks for the comment.

[@princegerald2320]

I've never had to use that method but hey, that's the way Eric does it and it works for him.

[@ericthecarguy]

@jambe1234567 One of them is a spacer and the other is the bearing. The best way to put the new one on is with a press, I didn't have time to shoot it (or a press at the time) but I put this one on by placing the old part on the back of the new one and beating it into place, not be best method in my opinion, the press is so much better.

[@dmax7255]

Eric this video save my life today keep up the good work

[@luckysingh8634]

Thank you Eric for uploading this video!! It worked out great. I’m running into a issue. I’m not able to find these things except the bearing. Can you pls tell where can find the parts like

[@emanuelgalea2424]

Thank you very much i need to change my rear bearings on my Holden VY commodore and whats putting me off is that i need to press them on but your videos have helped me a lot thanks again.

[@SonofGodly]

eric,,,could you have used heat to expand the bearing spacer ?To release the tention

[@draggboy]

This is a channel for teaching people how to do things DIY style at home. His channel isn't here to teach Master Mechanics how to do everyday jobs, it's here to give the average guy who works on his own car advice and methods. The average guy isn't going to buy a press to work on his Jeep in his garage.

[@MRSBA7]

Great video Erick, but how you do that when the place si small and tight? most of bearings are in small spaces.

[@rickbrightwell]

Thanks for showing this. I have to do this soon and was unclear how I would get these off. This video helps a lot.

[@ericthecarguy]

@TheBlazen001 I wouldn't use a press to get the old race off I would do it just like in this video. Using a press for this would be cumbersome and you would need a bearing holder to even try it. I don't recommend using a press for this.

[@chevyman1131]

Thanks Eric, Followed this video to remove the bearings on the rear axle shafts of my 58 Chev

[@James_Musnicki]

Awesome video, helped me change out my bearing in my 67 Mustang.

[@FR-ji3hw]

Relieve both sides of the bearing cage to reduce fumbling around. Save your small worn wheels to get into the tight spots easier. Clean up the shaft with fine emory cloth, clean it and heat the collar and bearing with a heat gun and tap it home.

[@RadioWhisperer]

Great video! And thank you so much for the incredible library of info on repair that you have created. I can't tell you how much help you have given me with various jobs I need to do on my 2000 Toyota Camry. Quick question on pressed bearing removal. You talked about this in the end as how you do it, but you seem, well, unhappy with the method. Is there a different way to do it that maybe requires a tool that's expensive, or maybe has some other limitation that puts it generally out of reach? Is there a different way to do this that doesn't end up potentially scoring the axle? Maybe a better way to ask is why did you ultimately settle on this way of doing it, and what were the other choices?

[@mixter7x7]

apparently great minds think alike. so i wish i had one. from someone who has been working metal for 30 years : turn your grinder 180* so the spark / filings fly away from your work instead of bouncing back in your face. make your cuts at 30-45 * around the shaft to minimize contact with adjacent pieces. save your smaller / worn wheels for small spaces and minimized contact with adjacent pieces. hold your chisels and punches with vice grips. you can fearlessly swing your hammer. save your split bearing races. they make great pressing tools- with a matched mating face- and they come right off. i as well have had to remove bearing race shrapnel from the inside of my forearm.

[@transformer889]

+mixter7x7 Very great suggestions, I have done this work before and you are right about cutting at an angle. The retaining ring made of material that expend like crazy with heat, may be that is a better way to remove and install it is applying heat with a torch.

[@geraldgeary7229]

this is the best way unless you cant use a die grinder.great job.keep up the great work.thanks p.s. would love to see a small bearing 9in cut apart to measure the balls to compair to mopar green axle bearings which are problem prone?

[@9b8]

This seeems to be the best method, but I wonder, what about super cooling the metal? Would there be any side effects caused to metal's internal structures in doing it this way? I know some manufaturers use this method to install some parts. Say maybe using a nitrous bottle?

[@hobieslug45]

I've used this method for 30 years on buses. worked ever time

[@ericthecarguy]

@centervilletn That does work I've used it in the past but how would it apply for these bearings?

[@ericthecarguy]

@chews4life Yea I've never had a problem with those little 'nicks'. Thanks for the comment.

[@riz690]

this is the video i was talking about eric... removing this bearing (in order to replace the seal)... and i got it off from the jeep jst like how u have.. but i was wondering how the hell i would get this seal out.. without damaging anything.. but then after watching the video i figured there is noway i can unless bearing is cut.. i got it replaced and i pressed the new bearing in the press...

[@ericthecarguy]

@momodragon Sounds like too much work and for the most part I work alone in the shop. Thanks for the input.

[@420bobbob]

Hi, Thanks for the video! I noticed that my left rear axle seal is leaking on my 04 Jeep Cherokee. Could you tell me if this is what i am going to be looking at? Thanks again

[@ddut887]

@EricTheCarGuy Thanks for the quick replies! Just trying to do my part and be part of your channel. I often have to inspect large bearings have the rollers have exploded on me when I hit them with a regular hammer. It was like shrapnell and can definetly penetrate your clothes/skin. Since then I use the ''dead blow'' hammer to prevent this from happening. Bearing steel is extremely hard but also very fragile. Just a satefy tip to keep in mind. Great videos by the way I'm learing alot about cars.

[@sbs9026]

Excellent Video Eric. Doing an at home rear axle job soon, I appreciate your tips.

[@ericthecarguy]

@sbs9026 Good luck and thanks for the comment.

[@ericthecarguy]

@princejaa Thanks for the comment.

[@mazzmari]

Good video, I still want to see the install. I definitely need to invest in one of those grinders.

[@tahnaya03]

Ey mate thanks for replying.your video really helped me n my bro out.we had the some problem with the ford spectron van.cheers mate keep posting ur videos up they r really helpfully.

[@mikeroberts5646]

Thanks Eric I started today on rebuilding my 71 RR 489 case 323 suregrip so this is very usefull however I,m going with Green bearings is the Install the same as tapered bearings would be nice to see a video on that Thanks again Mike West suburbs Chicago