Bearing outer race stuck... How to get it out?

Freestyle72

Freestyle72

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I made it thus far on both sides of the car with a lot of sweat, blood and tears to get the hubs off without the stupid volkswagen tool. Finally got the hubs off the circlips were rust welded to the outside lip. Used lots of p blaster and yanked them out with vice grips. Well now I have reached a stage where I don't know what to do. The bearings are way too big for my bearing puller/slide hammer tool. I really want to avoid pulling the knuckle and having it pressed at a shop since tommorow is Monday and I have a hell of time finding the time with work.

What can I do to get this bearing race to come out? Heat up and throw cold water on it to get it to crack maybe? I mean I made it this far I feel like I am on the home stretch, but I am physically exhausted I need some ideas/experience.
 
If you have a welder run a bead around the inside of the race once it cools it will fall right out.
 
Scuba Steve said:
If you have a welder run a bead around the inside of the race once it cools it will fall right out.
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Don't have a welder, but I could perhaps borrow a friends stick welder. Will any type do?

Would dremeling work? I just worry about damaging the knuckle.
 
Any welder MIG or stick but do not weld the bearing to the hub! If you aren't experienced don't take the risk. Dremel might work but again be careful. Can you hit the back of the bearing with a drift and drive it out?
 
Weld a bead on it as mentioned. Works like a charm.

Air hammer and a blunted chisel

BFH and a chisel
 
Use your Dremmel to cut two slots, 180 degrees apart.
When you get almost through the bearing will collapse inward.
 
Good penetrating fluid, heat, punch and hammer
 
Just a stupid question, but how do you plan to PRESS the new bearing into place?
 
just hammer the crap otta it out....just something strong and sharp like a chisel
 
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silverado said:
Just a stupid question, but how do you plan to PRESS the new bearing into place?
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preess it back in using a portable hydaulic press or any DIY press alternative
 
Freestyle72 said:
Don't have a welder, but I could perhaps borrow a friends stick welder. Will any type do?

Would dremeling work? I just worry about damaging the knuckle.
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yes, it will be easy to use as well. cut just a grove down the middle, and knock it out
 
Inside bearing puller. You can buy one for about $40 or maybe its one of the CT loaner tools.
 
Did you not read the post directly above yours? Better hope there is enough race left to grab now that you have cut and beat the hell out of it.
 
kneedragger88 said:
Did you not read the post directly above yours? Better hope there is enough race left to grab now that you have cut and beat the hell out of it.
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I read it and was trying to confirm it was the same thing. My apologies Ken. There is still the same amount of lip as before.
 
Freestyle72 said:
I read it and was trying to confirm it was the same thing. My apologies Ken. There is still the same amount of lip as before.
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How can the dremel not work? cut a line through the race, and use a drift and knock it out, it will look like a lock washer and come right out?

what kind of dremel disc are you using?
 
How do people expect him to cut a line through the bearing race without cutting into the spindle?

That bearing is supposed to be pressed in and out, or punched same difference...There should be no cutting involved....If you cant get enough force to pop it out while its on the car, then it needs to be removed....IMO that is the right way anyways, the spindle should be removed to do this job properly. The time you spend messing around with all these ideas, you could have taken it off, popped it out put the new bearing in and be driving already...

Unless the hardware is so rusted you cant get it off?
 
JohnnyP636 said:
How do people expect him to cut a line through the bearing race without cutting into the spindle?

That bearing is supposed to be pressed in and out, or punched same difference...There should be no cutting involved....If you cant get enough force to pop it out while its on the car, then it needs to be removed....IMO that is the right way anyways, the spindle should be removed to do this job properly. The time you spend messing around with all these ideas, you could have taken it off, popped it out put the new bearing in and be driving already...

Unless the hardware is so rusted you cant get it off?
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I think it's a combo of rust + being press fit that is making it so hard to get out. Gonna stop by Princess Auto and see what kind of press/puller they have that will work.
 
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