Wheel Bearing Removal – by Jeff Campbell
Some tasks at first seem impossible, until a simple method is understood … behold, an easy way to press out kart wheel bearings.
-
- Removing wheel bearings on single piece hubs can be a puzzle, how do you press out the first bearing? Here is one idea......
-
- Take a piece of scrap steel and fashion a part as shown in the photo. The part will be slightly shorter in length than the inside of the outer bearing race, and smaller in width than the bearing ID. Also find or make a push rod slightly longer then the width of the wheel.
-
- Now drop that steel part you made inside the wheel so it lands flat on top of the bearing below.
-
- Now with a press, a vise or a few careful taps with a hammer, the lower bearing will now push out. I recommend first heating aluminum hubs to about 300 degrees, to expand the aluminum, the bearings will come out much easier.
-
- Now, you can use the same steel part you made and the same push rod to press out the other bearing.
Disclaimer: These projects are suggestions and/or educational information. Use any of the ideas, comments, drawings, photos and information on this page at your own risk. Follow your power tool manufacturer’s safety guidelines also. Karting is a fun sport, but not without inherent danger, make sure you play responsibly and safe
If you enjoyed this article, please consider sharing it!
