unit bearing removal tip

The article, 'unit redo', in the may issue brought back some busted knuckle memories. lol I used to pull Dodge unit bearings like you did. I have even gone as far as borrowing a 5lb slide hammer and a hub puller attachment to try and get the unit bearings separated from the knuckle.
When the bearing had to stay together, replacing inner axle oil seals or doing ball joints, this method became a problem. 7 times out of ten the bearing came apart. It became hard to convince the customer that they also need a unit bearing, or two, because I couldn't pull the bearing/s out in one piece. I know this can look good on paper, up selling, but it sure can peeve some people off when the bill comes back hundreds of dollars higher than originally quoted.
I was showing my bleeding knuckles to an old timer and he suggested a new way to remove the bearing assembly. Take an old 3/4 inch drive shallow impact socket (~1 1/4"), turn the inner c of the axle u joint so it is vertical, place the socket between the outer c and the axle tube, then turn the knuckle by hand until the socket is held in place by the axle and the tube. Now, turn the steering wheel in the direction of the socket on the u joint, sometimes you have to start the vehicle, and the force on the socket will push on the axle and the unit bearing bearing will push/pop out. I have never damaged an axle like this, and believe me, sometimes I thought something was going to fail. But doing the bearing this way has always worked and has saved me so much scar tissue that I am forever grateful to the old timer that pointed me in the right direction.
I still have that old worn out socket in my toolbox, just in case I get to play with another old Dodge.  

Thanks for the tip!  
-------------------------------------------------------------
Long Travel 4WD - The best of Both Worlds

Questions? Comments? Concerns? PM Me!

it works that way sometimes.

it also can bend the bolt and not budge the unit bearing hub.  
Help save TELLICO...VIRTUAL RALLY for Tellico...

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?p=8149649#post8149649

The rally will be on Wednesday May 7th from 4 to 9 pm Eastern Standard Time.
Be there and post up POSITIVE COMMENTS!!