Rear Wheel Bearings

[kenhewitt]

After considerable effort I have separated the bearings on the rear of my 944s project. The outer race has remained on the hub and the rest of the bearing is firmly lodged in the ali housing. I cannot move these even though I have used the Clarks Garage procedure,puller etc. Any suggestions???

 

[morris944s2john]

My first thought is heat. Heat up the bits you want to remove with a blow torch (or gentle with the Oxy acet torch) and hopefully different metals will expand and the remains of the bearing will come out more easily. Also try alternating a blow torch to heat up the bearing remains and cool quickly by squirting on WD-40 OR PLUS GAS (be careful, fire risk!) the heating and sudden cooling may shock the parts and break the bond.

 

[kenhewitt]

Thanks for that. Did try it yesterday but I'm working outdoors so had to contend with some wind. I'll need to wait for a calmer day! Rgds, Ken

 

[morris944s2john]

In that case, heat up remains of bearing with blow torch and allow the howling gale/wind/driving snow shock cool that parts[] Rather you than me working outside this time of year!

 

[paulf968]

I think the trick that Indie's use is to break the cage with an air powered cold chisel - my Indie says it is a very quick job!

 

[will lyons]

When my rear wheel bearing was replaced a few weeks ago I know a lubricant was used when the new bearing was pressed into place a little like grease but when friction makes it hot it sets like a resin maybe this bond is still strong [8|] my bearing knocked out quite easy but it was well worn and corroded so perhaps the best way would be to split it............. if it will

 

[Jonny B]

I helped a mate when his wouldnt move, though the solution was that he hadnt spotted the big circlip amongst all the cack holding it in lol. Poor light was the excuse. Easily done tho. Good luck

 

[piperboxster]

Please don't beat out the old bearings! The hub is aluminium, the bearing is iron/steel based, the two expand at different rates, heat it all up and it will slide out. Beating it out will make the job hard for the next person who has to do the job and beating the new one in will stand a chance of stressing the new bearing. Just because 944's are not worth a fortune these days, they are still a great car, I hate seeing them not get the respect and care that I think they deserve.

 

[kenhewitt]

Thanks for all the info. I applied a puller to the hub and gave it a prolonged dose of heat - it then popped lose so hopefully I can do the same on the main housing. Just working outdoors in this weather will probably be challangeing!!!!

 

[Hilux]

I think the trick that Indie's use is to break the cage with an air powered cold chisel - my Indie says it is a very quick job!

The only proper way without damaging the shaft is to grind through most of the way and use a chisel on the bearing anything else will risk damage or changing the temper of the shaft.

 

[peanut]

why on earth don't you take it to a local engineering workshop where they have all the proper presses and tools to do the job properly. What's it going to cost ? £40 as apposed to £100's for a replacement shaft or wishbone arm. I really don't understand why it is worth all that effort and risk to save such a small amount of money to do the job properly.

 

[kenhewitt]

Because it's a project car and I like doing things myself. I appreciate the comments about too much heat but I am only using a fairly simple blowtorch which should not have any detrimental effect on the components - maybe a bit slow but I'll get there evetually!

 

[James_G]

I suspect that it's a question of time, or timing. See if you don't drive your 944 to work you either have to get it done on the weekend (not many engineering shops open on a weekend I suspect) or take a day off to do it, which being self employed as I am would have a direct cost. Still that didn't stop me yesterday and now the car feels much better for its full alignment and my dentist was pleased to see me too.

ORIGINAL: peanut why on earth don't you take it to a local engineering workshop where they have all the proper presses and tools to do the job properly. What's it going to cost ? £40 as apposed to £100's for a replacement shaft or wishbone arm. I really don't understand why it is worth all that effort and risk to save such a small amount of money to do the job properly.

 

[peanut]

ORIGINAL: James_G I suspect that it's a question of time, or timing. See if you don't drive your 944 to work you either have to get it done on the weekend (not many engineering shops open on a weekend I suspect) or take a day off to do it, which being self employed as I am would have a direct cost. Still that didn't stop me yesterday and now the car feels much better for its full alignment and my dentist was pleased to see me too.

yes I can see what you mean. I'm self employed and every hour I don't work is an hours pay I lose. I used to do everything myself on my classic cars, diffs g/boxs the lot but now I appreciate sometimes you save nothing by doing it yourself in fact it can cost more in time and breakages etc. Any garage has a decent press these days . It saves a lot of mucking about. My garage did my rear bearing for £40.00 + vat. i supplied the bearing .

 

[kenhewitt]

Right. Job done! The weather was holding up so made up a simple device with a threaded rod and some substantial washers - one to fit within the housing from the back and a larger one over the front. By tighning a nut a was able to exert enough force (with a bit of heat) to pull the bearing out as far as the front face of the housing. This was enough to break the seal and after that I was able to drift them out with a wooden drift! Fortunately had thermal gloves and socks on - anyone know where to get b£43 warmers?

 

[peanut]

blimey sooner you than me Ken. Its flippin freezing out there today. Must be getting old I suppose. Well done anyway, sounds like you have plenty of initiative just lacking some thermals [][]