Live Center Bearing Replacement?

[Tom Albrecht]

Anybody know how I can replace the bearing on this live center? There is no removable snap ring that I can see.

 

[Gary Beasley]

Looks press fit. If you already have the replacement bearing you might have to heat the outside with a torch to get it off the bearing, then you will be able to tap it off the shaft with a hammer and open end wrench just bigger than the shaft.
If the shaft comes out first you might be able to use the wet paper towel method to pop the bearing out of the shell.

 

[john lucas]

I'm not familiar with the wet paper towel method Gary. Can you explain.

 

[Gary Beasley]

You would pack very wet paper towels tightly into the space behind the bearing and into the hole. Then you would take the shaft that came out or another close fitting rod and hammer it in. The resulting pressure will be transferred hydraulically to the back of the bearing and push it out. Your mileage may vary depending on geometry and how badly beat up your piece is.

 

[john lucas]

Well cool. Makes we want to go out and find something I can try it on.

 

[Tom Albrecht]

Looks press fit. If you already have the replacement bearing you might have to heat the outside with a torch to get it off the bearing, then you will be able to tap it off the shaft with a hammer and open end wrench just bigger than the shaft.
If the shaft comes out first you might be able to use the wet paper towel method to pop the bearing out of the shell.

Thanks that did the trick. Now I just have to find a bearing-- should't be hard around here.

 

[Doug Rasmussen]

Looking at the bearing in the picture I have to wonder if the bearing is actually worn out. It appears to be a shielded bearing as opposed to a sealed type. Shielded bearings are notorious for getting clogged with dust and debris.

By carefully prying the shield off one side, carefully enough that the shield isn't damaged, you can use solvent to clean it out. Then relube and re-insert shield.