WHEEL  BEARING  REMOVER

-   GL1500   -

Take a 6� x �� threaded bolt and cut off the head with a hacksaw. File off any leftover burrs.  Using the hacksaw, cut a slot about 2� down the center of the shaft of the threaded end of the bolt.  Take a metal wedge (used to secure hammer heads to wooden shafts) and tap it into the slot just enough to hold it in place.  Then, pass the unthreaded shaft of the bolt through one side of the wheel bearing and down into the other bearing so that the wedge is in the center of the wheel.  Put the far end of the bolt shaft onto something solid and drive the wedge into the hacksawed slot with a rod and hammer until the bolt expands and jams itself into the bearings inner race.

Now you can put the wheel onto 2 x 4�s to give the bolt/bearing enough room to drop out the far side when you drive the whole assembly through.

Once one bearing is out, the other side is easy.  Put the protruding wedge tip into a bench vise when you are finished and tap the bearing and bolt shaft away from you to separate them.

It isn't necessary to cut off the head of the bolt. Just slip the threaded end into the bearing and use a cold chisel to expand the bolt while having the head up against a solid piece. Then drive the bearing out as described

To replace the bearings use a threaded bolt with a series of washers under the head so there is no force on the inner race, only the outer race. On the opposite side of the wheel place a similar series of washers under the nut and snug things up by hand so the bearing is started in straight. Then hold the head of the bolt while turning the nut. I prefer to use a socket for both sides.
--------------------------------------------------------------------  Information provided by Dick Taylor - '90 SE