VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - GENERAL Mechanical - Engine, Trans, etc Tapered Roller Bearing Conversion on my 32

I bought the kit to convert my ball bearing wheel bearings to tapered rollers. Pulled everything apart but having trouble getting that large inner race off the spindle. I do not want to mar it up with a pliers. Are there any tricks to getting it off? I have not used heat yet or tried anything that would prevent me from going back to the ball bearings.

Thanks

Tap a small sharp chisel between the shoulder on the spindle and the inner race.

Thanks

Tried the chisel technique but did not budge, either side !!

Any chance someone used a product like Loctite to tighten up the clearance between the race and spindle? If so a little heat would be what I would try.

Dave

I'll probably be odd man out but I see no reason to convert the bearings. I see no advantage on these low speed vehicles. Just my opinion.

I AGREE WITH YOU 100%

I agree some heat will help as probably the old grease is now like glue.

Bring on the Heat
should not take much

hopefully the old grease will soften up and the race will slip off, if not then heat up the race around and around so it expands and slips off.

I agree with Tiny. To add to it 'I see no advantage with these low speed vehicles' especially those that have bias ply tires. It is just not going to help that much. It will never handle like the modern vehicles that everyone has gotten used to. Spend your time getting the mechanical components in good shape so the steering play is reduced. One thing that made a bigger difference in steering of my '29 coupe was replacing all the spring bushings. I knew they were worn out but I didn't think it would affect the way it steered like it did. Especially on washboard roads like we tour on occasionally.

I agree with Tiny, Gene, and beachbum as well.

There is nothing wrong with the ball bearings as long as you remember that they need to be adjusted tighter than tapered roller bearings.

While I may agree that tapered roller bearings are not a "necessity" the purpose of the OP's original post was how to remove the original bearing race. I think those that want to discuss the pros and cons of converting to roller bearings should do so in a separate/new thread. If there was a detriment to converting then I could understand highlighting that but it's my opinion that the conversion is an improvement albeit non original .

I am wondering if applying heat to the races released them. Heat can free loctite or ancient grease (that turned into glue) parts.