Re: Any Front Wheel Bearing removal #
Bryan Smith | Message modified by user UKAT5330 March 17, 2012, 10:37 am
I have been a bit busy lately so didn't realise that this thread had restarted (and stopped again?). I have been using the mig method of removing outer races for many years (see my post on hints and tips prior to this thread starting). I have also been cutting the inner races off of the hub with oxy/acetelyne for just as long. It may seem as though it's a bit of an art but it really isn't that difficult. I have heard it referred to as "washing" and if you try it you will realise why. It's because the bearing virtually runs off of the hub like water when the temp is about right. I normally use my auto welding visor in the off or slight tint mode so I can see whats happening. A good way to practise this is to try and cut a nut off of a bolt without damaging the thread (yes, it can be done!). As far as warming bearings prior to removal, I would not recommend doing this with bearings that are going to be re-used except with a very small blowlamp so that there is no change of colour. The Hatz advice I believe is quite old (and I have also worked on these engines) and would have been quite normal in the days when we repaired things instead of replacing them. It seems to me that modern cars are manufactured in the same way as kids toys in the fact that it's all plastic and electronic, so I now think very carefully before the gas axe comes out. Regards, Bryan.
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