Baja Man wrote:
Hello all--
I wanted to see if anyone has a method for removing brake drum/hub bearing races from trailer brake drums using a simple shop press.
I know there are kits that use machined alum discs of various sizes to install races and seals (either with a hammer, press, and air hammer) but have never seen how to remove them using a shop press.
I know how to remove races using a brass drift and hammer. You must access race at an angle, as the race can not be hit vertically with the drift. This is what makes using a press a challenge.
So.....how can races be removed from brake drums using a shop press?
Maybe it's so simple, I can't see it or think of it!!!
Thanks!
You listed pretty much all the reasons why it's too difficult to bother.
I've been using shop presses for over six decades and I can add a couple reasons to the list:
Shop presses are usually used to store all kinds of junk when not in use or are behind junk stored in front of them.
You have to adjust press beam to the right height.
If you don't want to bend hub/drum/disc you have to find a suitable backing device.
The action of the press is usually very slow.
By the time one gets the press cleared out/off, set up, and race pressed out (different setup for front and rear races) the average person could have all the races "punched" out of all four hubs/drums/disc's and well on their way to just installing with a proper tool (kit is about $50 or less on amazon for races and seals)
Shop presses are for gears and press on axle bearings. A waste of time for wheel bearing races.
Might be useful on large truck and off road equipment hubs but usually a portable hydraulic puller kit is more practical.
