Differential Driveshaft Bearing Removal

[Gopherit]

This may or may not help people!
I have RD Enterprises CV driveshafts and am currently stripping everything down. My notes indicated putting the integral bearings into the diff case required quite a lot of persuasion, so I was anticipating some effort to remove them. Note that with the RD CV shaft arrangement the driveshaft and bearing are integral with the joint itself , so the Colin Croucher slide hammer approach in not possible without dismantling the CV joint.

I asked RD if they had any advice - got an answer "tap gently until they come out". I didn't like this idea so rummaged through my brain (small) and then toolbox (large) for a better approach.

Eventually found I could reverse my track rod joint splitter and apply outward force quite easily. Means putting on a bit of force then rotating 180deg but non-traumatic and bearing came out nicely. 2 applications 180der appart before a little sound indicating the bearing had stated to move. Picture explains better I think.

[alan.barker]

Once the Circlip that holds the Bearing is removed i use a Sliding Hammer on the Drive Shaft.
With CVs i would think remove CV Bolts first so you can then attach Sliding Hammer to Output Flange.
Alan

[jono]

an old/spare drive shaft makes a great 'slide hammer'

I would be a bit concerned about applying load which is not concentric in case it damaged the bearing housing

[gus]

sure looks like the flange is bolted on.....

[prezoom]

I have found applying a little heat around the casting where the bearing is retained, releases the tension on the bearing and the stub axle will slide out easily.

[miked]

Maybe on one that has been out recently but no way on earth when they have some grime, corrosion and loctite on. As Jon says, a slide hammer is required that pulls square. I have one with a big weight on and have had significant heat and half a dozen slams with an 18 inch slide hammer shaft (with a weight that would pull you out of bed). Done this on numerous diffs, out of car.


Yes, it is made from an old shaft.

[Gopherit]

Ithink some of you are missing the point. The RD CV diff output shafts are integral with the joint. To use a slide (Greek screwdriver) requires dismantling the CV joint, not a course I wished to pursue.

Both my bearings came out with relatively little applied force - like I said, apply a little force, remove, rotate 180 Deg and repeat until it comes out.

[alan.barker]

If you rotate the shaft it changes nothing.
the outer race of the bearing does not rotate. You need to change the position of the extraction tool
Alan

[gus]

I just looked on RD's site

they are bolted together as is apparent in the pic here.

Not to say this method will not work, obviously it does, but I think it would be easier to unbolt the flange and use a standard puller.

I do find it odd that you would need new bearings as they are not very heavily loaded

[alan.barker]

I just looked on RD's site

they are bolted together as is apparent in the pic here.

Not to say this method will not work, obviously it does, but I think it would be easier to unbolt the flange and use a standard puller.

I do find it odd that you would need new bearings as they are not very heavily loaded

That's what i said above unbolt BUT use a Sliding Hammer
Alan