TR2/3/3A What's the easiest way to remove the clutch release bearing from the bronze sleeve?

[karls59tr]

I don't have a press...possibly using a vice???

 

[Geo Hahn]

I had a machine shop do mine (remove the old and press on the new) -- 10 bucks IIRC.

 

[tr3aproj]

I used a socket that was just the right size for the bronze sleeve and tapped it out with a hammer.

 

[CJD]

Tapping out the old one is not a problem, as it will get tossed afterward. It's not recommended tapping on the new one, though, as it can brinnel the races and lead to early bearing failure. It may be possible to press it back on with the vice...maybe. Depends on how tight the interference fit is.

A lot of auto parts stores rent the bearing removers. They look like a midevil guillotine with 2 long bolts that close the blades together and slice the bearing off the sleeve. They often take a press to finish pulling the bearing off, though.

For $99 direct from China and to your nearest Northern Tool...a cheapo press sure comes in handy for a lot of odd bearing jobs. The saddest part is the bearing remover costs more than a cheap press!?!

 

[Geo Hahn]

... It may be possible to press it back on with the vice...maybe...

I have heard that the bearing should be rotated as it is pressed home. No idea if this is fact or just an old mechanics wives' tale.

 

[karls59tr]

The socket worked for removal. I put the sleeve on the new bearing with a vice before I saw your post. Seems to be OK but I can now see how the bearing could be damaged and likely wont do that way again.

 

[Andrew Mace]

The socket worked for removal. I put the sleeve on the new bearing with a vice before I saw your post. Seems to be OK but I can now see how the bearing could be damaged and likely wont do that way again.

I wouldn't (and haven't in the past) hammer or press directly on the face of a bearing, but I would think a: cautious effort and b: a block of wood or similar so as not to tap directly on the bearing would be sufficient to protect the bearing. My thinking is that I'm not likely to be any harder on it than would be the next several thousand gear changes with all that hydraulic pressure pushing that bearing against a very heavily sprung clutch!

 

[glemon]

You can make a tool pretty easily with a nut and bolt and a couple big washers, I have one in the garage and can post a pic if needed, but pretty easy to figure out, even spins the bearing as you tighten it down. Greg