Better way to remove diff bearings?
 

Any suggestions on the best way to remove my old bearings off of my diff gears? I have steel gears and I really don't want to replace them just because my bearings are shot. I've got a small cut off wheel but I'm looking for less destructive means of removal.

Re: Better way to remove diff bearings?
 

You can't wedge a small flathead screwdriver between the bearing and the diff? Then prize it off?

Re: Better way to remove diff bearings?
 

Not quite enough clearance. And they're kind of rusted on. A little too much fun in the mud...

Re: Better way to remove diff bearings?
 

Have any of the small precision screwdrivers? Whip up a glass of hot salt water and let it soak for 30 minutes or so. Then try to pry them off.

Re: Better way to remove diff bearings?
 

Have you tried soaking in WD41, PB Blaster, or some kind of other penetrating oil/rust dissolver?

Re: Better way to remove diff bearings?
 

I'm soaking them in a 50/50 mix of atf and acetone. That's a trick I've learned from another hobby. Hopefully I get them off, otherwise I'll have to split the races with a dremel.

Re: Better way to remove diff bearings?
 

I once had bearings so shot they came apart...and the inner race stayed attached to the axle shaft, against the flange so you couldn't get anything on it. Lots of swear words, WD-40, and some tools later it came apart and I still use the same 'shafts. ��