Heating wheel bearings

Chad Stapleton · Joined: 19 Jul 2001 Posts: 4403

Careful tapping with a soft drift works just as well, is quicker, more convenient, ( i dont take the kitchen to the track !) and doesn't spoil your lunch !!

Larry Ferguson · Posted: Wed Aug 15, 2001 3:40 pm Post subject: Heating wheel bearings

Try rubbing two sticks together, directly inside the hole of the bearing in question. If this doesn't work in the very first attempt, use a 25lb sledge hammer with extreme force. Works every time!

Vernon Head · Posted: Wed Aug 15, 2001 10:43 pm Post subject: Heating wheel bearings

I know I've seen this topic before, but I forgot the details. I understand that you can get the wheel bearings out of your front hubs easily by heating them in the oven. Anyone know what temp and for how long?

scott berkheiser · Posted: Wed Aug 15, 2001 10:47 pm Post subject: Heating wheel bearings

Try 350 for about 10 minutes if they don't come right out try a little longer. Try to get as much grease and dirt of the wheels first. It will cut down on the stink. I'd also recommend doing it when your wife isn't home.....

Scott

Vernon Head · Posted: Wed Aug 15, 2001 10:51 pm Post subject: Heating wheel bearings

Thanks. Does this work with spindle bearings, too?

Pete Muller · Posted: Thu Aug 16, 2001 10:05 am Post subject: Heating wheel bearings

quote:
Originally posted by Vernon Head:
I understand that you can get the wheel bearings out of your front hubs easily by heating them in the oven. Anyone know what temp and for how long?

Vernon,

I've written up a little tech article covering the numbers on this. If you go to: www.muller.net/mullermachine and click on the "Docs" menu item, the top article should cover most of what you need to do your job.

Pete

Mark MacDonald · Joined: 05 Aug 2001 Posts: 124

I'm aware this topic is removing the bearings...i tend to use a hammer or do the heating method (mostly b/c i get this childish grin b/c that whole science thing works

)

However, how are you guys getting your bearings into the wheel? I've seen all the things, and used a bunch...but we've actually got this neat tool we're using at MTM that puts the bearings in square and tight in about 2 minutes. Heard of anything else that does a job like that?

Mark MacDonald
MTM Karting www.mtmkart.com
330.497.3585

Wayne MacGregor · Posted: Tue Sep 04, 2001 5:22 pm Post subject: Heating wheel bearings

I've always combined the two operations. Using an old frying pan to heat the hubs to remove the old bearings. While I'm doing this, the new ones are cooling in the freezer and slip easily and straight into the still hot hubs. When they cool -- the hubs shrink and the bearings expand making the whole assembly tight.

Barry Hastings · Posted: Tue Sep 04, 2001 5:34 pm Post subject: Heating wheel bearings

Easyest way to re-install the bearings in the hub is to use a bolt with the same OD as the spindle, or kingpin bolt with a large washer so it pushes on the outside of the bearing. This will make sure the bearings are inline and slip in with less trouble than taping the bearings with out it. If you had the time you could optomise your clearances and make it really easy to install and remove. But that take time.

Glenn Holland · Posted: Wed Sep 05, 2001 12:39 am Post subject: Heating wheel bearings

I found the easiest way to take care of this is to take it to my kart shop and have them do it.

That also goes for changing tires.

What I need to know is, out of all the voodoo theories I've heard about cleaning and treating bearings, what should I do?

G.

scott berkheiser · Posted: Wed Sep 05, 2001 2:11 am Post subject: Heating wheel bearings

I know alot of people believe in cleaning and oiling the bearings but my practice is 3 weekends on the rear bearings and 5 on the front then they go in the garbage can. I've never had a bearing related problem and want to keep it that way. This is for road racing, your mileage may vary.

Scott

Rick Blood · Posted: Wed Sep 05, 2001 11:56 am Post subject: Heating wheel bearings

Scott,
Can you send me your old bearings, I love stuff thats almost broken in.

Jack Burroughs · Joined: 18 Jul 2001 Posts: 144

I've found that putting bearings in my wifes oven is not a good thing to do, (something about "what's that smell?"). so I had to devise something else. here in the northeast we need things like space heaters in the garage to be able to do any work in the cooler months. I just move it outside in the warmer months and put the object, hub or case half on top at full blast for about 10 or 15 min. and the bearings will almost drop out. But try to remove any seals first. Also to install new bearings heat hub or case half the same time but put bearings in with a mandrillto get them straight. also clean them first with spray parts cleaner. Works good for me and the Boss doesn't ever know what I'm doin except worin on those darn Karts again.

Jack Burroughs · Joined: 18 Jul 2001 Posts: 144

Almost forgot, Never re-install any thing,bearing or seal that has been heated, Also wait til cool to install seals, which are best done also with a mandrill or a driver that will hold them square and drive them straight. Helps to have a lathe and some knowledge of how to use it.

scott berkheiser · Posted: Thu Sep 06, 2001 2:39 am Post subject: Heating wheel bearings

quote:
Originally posted by Rick Blood:
Scott,
Can you send me your old bearings, I love stuff thats almost broken in.

hmmm, maybe I can start a business selling broken in bearings.....I also have "broken in" belts and tires avaliable.

Enduro Road Racing is hard on equipment. While it may seem silly to replace things that are still good it has kept me from having a DNF due to a mechanical problem for over 5 years....

Scott