I working on an '05 rancher 350, 4x4, es and I am replacing the front wheel bearings and I got the right side completely dis-assembled and got the knuckle on my bench. The problem is that I can't get the old bearing out of the knuckle, or atleast what is left of the old bearing. Is there a trick to this? I don't have a press break, but I could probably have access to one, but that is my last resort. I have it soaking in pb blaster right now trying to loosen it up.

 

Not sure about the Rancher but on my recon, if I remember, I drove them out with a small pipe from the opposite side. Kinda rocking it back and forth.

 

You need to remove the snap ring and use a press.

If you have let the bearing go so far that the inner part has broken up, then the
job gets a bit harder. The pusher that you use with the press will need to be just
a bit smaller than the ID of the knuckle.

 

Thanks for the advice guys! Gonna try smacking it a few more times when I get home and if that doesn't work I'll disassemble the other side and just take them both over to my buddies and us his press.

You are right about the bearing crumbling and it being a sign of more labor! There was basically nothing left except the *****, and they were worn flat on some spots! I did bearings on my dad's rancher a couple years ago and it didn't seem this difficult, but oh well his hasn't seen the amount of creeks this one has!

 

The problem with whacking the outer bearing race with a drift or steel
rod is that you can't hit it squarely and you may jamb it in the bore. And
you only have a narrow bit of race to hit.

Since bearing races are made of hard brittle steel, you can sometimes
break them loose by grinding a notch in them and using a cold chisel. This
depends on your ability to get in there with a small grinder.

 

If he old bearing is stuck inside of knuckle an you have the snap ring out then you can weld an bead of weld in the center on old race an this will cause the race to draw up an fall out..I have great luck with this...

 

I dont have to use an press I have an set of bearing drivers an drive new bearing with them and have great luck with this.

 

I have never bought purpose-built bearing driver tools. I often use
sockets (1/2" and 3/4" drive) with my 20T press. Most folks have sockets.

As for the welding tip, I have done that, too, but most folks don't weld.

I have had to resort to a plasma cutter on occasion with particularly
recalcitrant bearings.

 

Your right everyone dont have the tools I mention also everyone doesnt have an press either I was just giving advise for him to think on not for someone give opinion on my advise..Its for the post owner to studing on..thats all..Thanks

 

You bet! I hope all suggestions were appreciated by the OP.

I try not to buy or make special dedicated tools, but I recently broke down
and bought a dedicated pilot screw adjustor.