Gimbal bearing help!!!

[Jerryh3]

So, I thought this would be a piece of cake. Had all the tools lined up, then this....




Should this damn thing be that hard to get out? Now the axle puller is stuck in there. I'm sure it's stuck between the bearing and the dust seal. Is my next move just a big 'ol slide hammer? Worst part is, that the bearing really wasn't that bad. Just wanted to change it since I had the drive off and the bearing laying around the house.

 

[greg82255]

Re: Gimbal bearing help!!!

Theres a sticky at the top of this forum that shows a bunch of different home-made gimbal bearing pullers. But yes a big enough slide hammer should work fine.

 

[Jerryh3]

Re: Gimbal bearing help!!!

Yeah, I saw a previous post and built one of the "Frankenpullers". Harbor freight axle puller set, 5/8" threaded rod, the Mercury puller plates(doubled!). Stupid thing just wont budge.

 

[muc]

Re: Gimbal bearing help!!!

The bearing might have started to ****. Try driving the bearing back into place, than try your puller one more time.

 

[Jerryh3]

Re: Gimbal bearing help!!!

The bearing might have started to ****. Try driving the bearing back into place, than try your puller one more time.

I'll try that if I can get the puller out.

 

[picklenjim]

Re: Gimbal bearing help!!!

Would it help if you removed the bellhousing and bellows? Might be able to get a better look at exactly what's going on and easier access to work.

 

[IanFS]

Re: Gimbal bearing help!!!

I had the same problem, although access was easier because I had the bellows removed and also the inner bearing, so only the outer race to pull.

As a last resort after a day of trying different ideas I decided to take the route I should have taken in the first place. I drilled four 1/8 holes around the outside......very carefully - slow is pro! They must have eased the pressure slightly because it came out with ease.

I have read a lot about removing Gimbal Bearings and some can be removed with a slide, but some can't no matter how much you pound on it. I think you have one of those.

Are you able to add another cross brace to your puller?

 

[achris]

Re: Gimbal bearing help!!!

You're using a puller. You would find it easier with a slide hammer. Also, leave the bearing in the carrier. It will 'gimbal' and stop the possibility of pulling the carrier on one side and 'cam locking' it in there.

Just my experience of pulling a few hundred out. Not one failed to come out with a REALLY big slide hammer.

Chris......

 

[Jerryh3]

Victory!

Victory!

Stopped by my local Autozone and picked up the slide hammer. Three whacks later:


Naked, cleaned, and ready for the new one: