FEBRUARY 1997

Treat bearings carefully for potential refurbishing

Problem: Removing installed bearings for repair.

Solution: Use proper tools and never use torch heat, says The Timken Company.

Before a bearing can be sent to any bearing reconditioning service, it first must be removed from its shaft. Great care must be taken in the process to ensure the bearing, shaft and housing are not damaged.

This can be best accomplished using a bearing puller. When the backing shoulder extends as high as, or beyond the cone's large rib, a puller that pulls through the rollers could be used (see sketch). Care should be taken to ensure the dimensions are correct and no cage damage occurs during removal.

Hydraulic pressure is another available method to remove tapered bore bearings, as well as the more popular straight bore bearings. Pullers or wedges may also have to be used on straight bore bearings to remove the bearing after hydraulic pressure has expanded the race.

Hot oil or steam heat may be used along with pullers or wedges. The bearing race should expand and be easily removed when the puller has been placed on the bearing and pressure, steam or hot oil is applied.

Always use extreme caution when working with hot oil or steam.

Be careful not to expose any surface of the bearing to the flame of a torch. If the bearing is to be reused or possibly returned for repair, any torch heat damage renders the bearing as scrap.

When it is necessary to drive out cones or cups, extreme care should be taken to prevent cone seat damage, cup housing damage, backing shoulder damage or raising burrs on any surface. Damage to these surfaces will prevent proper seating of the bearing and its new components when reassembled in the application.

Thanks, and a tip of the Mr. O hard hat, go to The Timken Company. This item previously appeared in the company's Distributor News Lines newsletter.