Bearing removal

[tazzer1993]

HI all. Just trying to remove many, many bearings from my VFR. The issue I have is that drifts and flat screwdrivers just don't seem to do the trick. After snapping 6 flat s/drivers and obliterating a rather expensive front wheel I have decided to invest in the proper tools. Now, my question is, what is the best tool for the job? Would a standard Halfords gear/bearing puller do the trick? Also, what other options do I have?

Thanks, ride safe.

[fq-craigus]

A press is the best tool tbh, if you can't get it out with drifts then the gear to remove properly without damaging things gets expensive where a local general garage will be able to get it out in a matter of minutes for a few quid

[tazzer1993]

Fair enough. Bearings are a pain in the ass. I will give it a try with new drifts and perhaps a slightly smaller hammer. If that doesn't yield a satisfactory result, it's off to the garage.

[Tango]

Heat the hub first as well....so that it expands slightly, which should help with getting the bearings out....

[tazzer1993]

Seems like a plan. Heat it with what though? It's not exactly something I can just chuck in the oven.

[Tango]

I use one of those hot air paint strippers..... bit like a superheated hair dryer.....

[acting_strange]

also remember to put the new bearing in the freezer box for a good while.....will help it go back in..

[tazzer1993]

Seems like a plan to me. What could go wrong? ahaha

[megawatt]

Never needed to heat up a wheel to get bearings in or out. Usually freeze em to get em in, but only squeeze or tap on the outside race. Most bearings come out using a drift, if not use a 2 or 3 leg bearing puller or an internal , collet type puller. The latter are expensive. Replace bearings with new ones. Some, like swingarm needle rollers, have to be destroyed to get em out. Never been beaten yet!!!

[tazzer1993]

I think the reason i'm having so much trouble is that the bearings have been in there since 1989. The rear wheel bearings came out relatively easy while the front ones didn't budge at all. The front cost me 6 flat head s/drivers, two decent drifts, one side of a claw hammer and a bent crowbar. I managed to get them out, but, my wheel is beyond dead as a result. Gave up and just bought a new one without bearings in. The swing am bearings were pretty dead too. But, they came out with a couple of decent whacks. There was a ridiculous amount of copper grease covering that bearing though.