views A and B, shows two types of bearing pullers, both
of which apply the pulling pressure to the inner race of
the bearing. Removal of bearings by pulling on the outer
race tends to make the balls dent the raceway even when
the puller is used. If bearings are subjected to high
temperatures, the race can be distorted. This can cause
the race to shrink to the shaft more tightly. You should
be careful not to damage the shaft when removing
bearings. Use soft centers (shaft protectors), which are
sometimes provided with a bearing removal kit. If not,
the soft centers may be made of soft metal, such as zinc
or brass.
After removal, thoroughly clean the bearing. The
recommended cleaner is standard solvent or clean oil.
Soak the bearing in cleaner for as long as necessary to
dislodge dirt or caked grease from around the balls and
separators. After the bearing is cleaned, wipe it
Figure 7-6.--Removing seized outer ring of bearing.
carefully with a dry, lint-free cloth. If compressed air is
used for drying, direct the airstream across the bearing
1. Don proper safety equipment (goggles,
so that the bearing does not spin. Because a dry bearing
rusts quickly, protect the bearing at once by coating it
earmuffs, gloves, etc.)
with clean, low-viscosity lubricating oil.
2. Use clean rags or plastic drapes to protect any
Rotate the inner ring slowly by hand, and if the
equipment nearby from flying bits of debris and
bearing feels rough, repeat the cleaning. After the
metal particles.
second cleaning, if the bearing still feels rough when
3. Using a high-speed grinder with a cutting wheel,
turned slowly by hand, renew it.
cut the outer ring of the seized bearing in two
Removing a Seized Bearing
places (fig. 7-6).
4. Remove the outer rings and discard.
When a bearing fads on equipment that is running,
it is not always possible to secure the equipment
5. Cut the cage in two places and remove the cage
immediately. This may cause one or both of the
and balls.
bearings to heat excessively and seize to the shaft.
6. Make two cuts to the inner ring at two different
Removal of a seized bearing may be accomplished as
follows:
points as illustrated in figure 7-7. Be careful to
Figure 7-7.--Removing seized inner ring of bearing.
7-6
