Best way to remove axle bearings without bearing puller ?

Hello..

Anyone have any ideas on easy way to pull axle bearings without buying "bearing puller tool and slide hammer" like they say to use in chiltons book.. i have a 8.25 corp axle on 98 XJ in case that matters




SiteRnr

Run down to the local Checker/Kragen/Autozone, etc. and "rent" the proper tool for free. You'll save yourself a lot of headache.

Is it the axle bearings? If so you will need a press to replace them.

Ghost said:

Is it the axle bearings? If so you will need a press to replace them.

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Depends.

If it's the conventional "retainer plate" semi-floating axle, you're correct. There's a collar that retains the inner race to the shaft, and the outer race usually pulls free with finger pressure.

On the C-clip semi-floating axle, the "inner race" is a ground surface on the shaft and the outer race is lightly pressed into place - requiring a slide hammer.

Typically, you're looking at about $15 to change pressed-on bearings (each.) If you cut the old bearing off before you take them in, a good shop will only charge you half as much (you've saved them half the work) and you can inspect the shaft yourself. A Dremel makes short work of cutting the bearing off, and you don't need to go all the way through for it to "pop" off. You'll have to make two cuts, you may need to cut about 4/5 of the way through on the other side and use a cold chisel to separate (the first cut will separate from the press-fit once you get far enough - but you shouldn't hit the shaft when cutting on either side.)

Rent the tool or find a local jeeper that has it and will let you use it.

xj92 said:

Rent the tool or find a local jeeper that has it and will let you use it.

Click to expand...

Pity we don't know where he is. I've got a slide hammer around here somewhere that he can use if he needs it (I need a day or so warning so I can dig the damn thing up...)

He won't need it if he's got a "retainer plate" axle - unless the outer races are stuck. The last couple I've changed bearings in had the outer race come out using just me fingers - but the C-clip is usually a different story (and, if you see that your C-clip shafts are damaged where the bearings ride, you'll want to replace the shafts as well. A damaged bearing surface on the shaft usually means the new bearings won't last long - say, a week or so of daily driving.)

Use a dremel to cut ALMOST all the way through the retainer and then use a cold chisel to finish it off. Even a small crack in the retainer and it will slip off. Same for the bearing.

A long enough piece of DOM and a BFH can drive the new bearing on and then the retainer too.

BTDT