A separator offers an alternative to an external bearing puller (see further down for more info). They're mostly called upon when there is limited space behind the bearing, thus making it difficult to grip from behind.
Bearing pullers have applications in the automotive industry to remove wheel bearings, alternators, gear bearings, and pulleys. It is a must-have automotive and garage tool. They allow mechanics to disassemble and repair components without damaging the surrounding components.
Bearing splitter plates or separators are used to reach spaces where puller jaws might not easily fit. They're ideal for removing bearings, pulleys, gears and bushes that are fitted close to their housing or other components. These tools are the safest types of bearing pullers to use.
There are a few choices though that are easy to come by. Many people use acetone when cleaning skateboard bearings as it can be found in nail polish remover, or they may use a rubbing alcohol over 90%.
Blind bearing pullers were originally designed to remove bearings from holes without rear access. These were primarily found in rotating equipment and commonly in sealed units such as car gearboxes. Of late, they have become popular for the removal of wheel bearings.
Mechanical removal, installation and methods. Removing a failed bearing safely and properly is step one. Pullers and presses designed for that purpose are the best options for three reasons: safety, saving time and minimizing the damage to the shaft and housing during the process.
A bearing puller is used to remove bearings, gears, or pulleys from shafts. A typical bearing puller has a forcing screw that is positioned on the end of the shaft and legs that circle around the back of the bearing.
The bearings can cause a severe problem if they malfunction. As we said before, extreme heat can be caused by friction, and this can cause a sudden seize of the bearing, causing the wheel to get blocked at whatever speed we are driving at that moment. There is a risk of an accident if we don't take care of this issue.
Bearing pullers are simple yet effective tools, enabling the safe extraction of bearings from their positions without causing damage to the bearings or the surrounding components.
Use a ball bearing puller or extractor to gently and evenly apply force to the bearing. When doing so, keep the pressure as even as possible. Gentle tapping with a hammer or mallet may aid in removal. Most importantly, do not cut the bearing off with a grinder, as you may risk damaging the housing and shaft.
Bearing seizure
As a result of the excessive heat, many of the elements associated with the bearings begin to soften and melt, including the rolling elements, raceway rings, and the cage. These issues lead to bearing seizure and the possibility of damage to the equipment where they are used.
Removing a bearing using a bearing puller is often seen as the best and most reliable way to remove a bearing from a shaft. This method involves using a set of jaws that are specifically designed to fit around the bearing, before pulling the bearing from the shaft.
There are several types of bearing pullers, including external, internal, reversible, and hydraulic pullers. Bearing separators/splitters are also available.
Yes, you can use a hammer. First , make sure you are using the correct hammer and you are not striking the surfaces that make contact with the rolling elements. Second, make sure the bearing is pre-loaded.
The most common cause of a noisy bearing is contamination which damages the raceways of the bearing, causing the rolling elements to bounce or rattle. The only solution to a noisy bearing is to replace the bearing. Applying grease will only mask the issue.
Spraying WD40 will remove the old grease, but it won't clean your bearings, and it won't regrase them afterwards. Filling your bearings with WD40 and skating them without regreasing will result in destroyed bearings.
After rinsing, a soak in electronics alcohol or acetone is fine for stainless and ceramic hybrid bearings.
Solvents are more dangerous to use, but often provide a more superior solution to cleaning dirty bearings. If you choose to use solvents, we recommend wearing latex gloves and working in an area that is well ventilated. Solvents we recommend are Acetone, Methyl Ethyl Ketone, Citrus cleaner, and Denatured alcohol.