Replies

1. 
   JohnWW | Jan 04, 2008 03:37am | #1

   It's been awhile since I did this but, if memory serves, the job is relatively simple.

   You have to remove the wheel and the pulley, and any collars that are on the shaft.
   Some of the parts may stick on the shaft, the only safe way to remove them will be to use a gear puller. Prying or hammering to get the parts off the shaft will only result in a damaged machine and they'll still be stuck. Fortunately gear pullers are relatively inexpensive from places like Harbor Freight and Grizzly. Once everything is off the shaft use a fine file to remove any burrs, rust, or raised ridges on the shaft's surface.

   Also check that there aren't any set screws in the main casting that would lock the bearings in place. If you find a set screw remove it and then check that there isn't a second set screw in the same hole. sometimes they were stacked up to lock them in place.

   Once the shaft is cleaned up, wipe a bit of light oil on the two ends of the shaft and gently tap it on the end with a brass hammer, if you have one, or use a conventional hammer but protect the end of the shaft with a wood block.

   Try tapping from both ends of the shaft. typically one bearing will slide out of its housing easier than the other. Once you have found which way moves the easiest, continue to drive the shaft and the one moving bearing out of the casting. Once the shaft and the one bearing are out, you can reach through the housing with a block of wood and drive out the second bearing.

   If nothing moves with light to moderate tapping stop and spray a little rust penetrant on the bearings and give the oil a day to work and try again. If everything is still tight try to get someone who is familiar with machinery to look at it, please don't pound on the shaft and bearings.

   I'm heading home for dinner, I'll cover replacing the bearings in a second installment.

   John White

1. 
   psjack | Jan 10, 2008 03:27am | #2

   You can also rent gear pullers at most tool rental places.

1. 
   JohnWW | Jan 11, 2008 04:24am | #3

   True but an import gear puller set costs so little and is so useful that it is worth owning.John W.