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Baja_Man's avatar
Baja_Man
Explorer
Jul 31, 2022

How to REMOVE brake drum races using a shop press?

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!
  • Baja_Man's avatar
    Baja_Man
    Explorer
    Aug 01, 2022
    QCMan wrote:
    How about using a puller instead of pushing it. There are a lot of pullers with adapters to hook just about anything. Some auto parts stores lend them out with a deposit.


    I don't believe there is a puller made to pull races from hubs where there is no direct vertical access.....That may be the reason why they are punched out with a drift...?
  • QCMan's avatar
    QCMan
    Nomad III
    Aug 01, 2022
    How about using a puller instead of pushing it. There are a lot of pullers with adapters to hook just about anything. Some auto parts stores lend them out with a deposit.
  • time2roll's avatar
    time2roll
    Nomad
    Aug 01, 2022
    JRscooby wrote:
    The artist missed the fact the shape of hub will not let anything vertical reach the race.
    I agree but things can vary. I am not looking at it. Even a picture may not show well due to the angles etc. If the OP thinks there is an edge to catch then will need to make or buy the tool.

    Otherwise yes I would have all six drums clear by now and pressing in the new.
  • Baja_Man's avatar
    Baja_Man
    Explorer
    Aug 01, 2022
    Huntindog wrote:
    As an owner of a 30 ton press, I woudn't bother. I am sure I could rig something up, but it would be much easier and faster to just hammer them out with a drift


    Curious, have you ever used your 30T press for such and activity?

    I just may use a brass drift and hammer to remove....but I like to use the best and safest tools available when I can.

    Thanks
  • JRscooby's avatar
    JRscooby
    Explorer II
    Aug 01, 2022
    time2roll wrote:


    The artist missed the fact the shape of hub will not let anything vertical reach the race. Driving them out, always working at angle.
    OP, you might cut a bar the right length to lay on the race, then push the center.
    Big races, with alloy hubs, where I fear the impact might distort the hub, I have just ran a bead in center of face. The weld will pull the race, let it just slide out.
  • Baja_Man's avatar
    Baja_Man
    Explorer
    Aug 01, 2022
    time2roll wrote:


    What did that bearing race removal bushing come from?

    Custom made or ???
  • Mike134's avatar
    Mike134
    Explorer
    Jul 31, 2022
    Huntindog wrote:
    As an owner of a 30 ton press, I woudn't bother. I am sure I could rig something up, but it would be much easier and faster to just hammer them out with a drift


    Yep you're tossing them anyway beat them out
  • Huntindog's avatar
    Huntindog
    Explorer
    Jul 31, 2022
    As an owner of a 30 ton press, I woudn't bother. I am sure I could rig something up, but it would be much easier and faster to just hammer them out with a drift

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