All,
I just read a post where someone struggled to remove the outer races of the steering head bearings.
Any stuck OUTER bearing race can be removed using a welder. I have done this on ship diesel engines, car flywheels, and other bearing races. It is also useful for removing valve seats on truck and ship diesel engines.
Just carefully run a bead of weld on the inside of the race, all the way around. Use a welding rod size and welding current suitable for the dimensions of the bearing race. I would try with a 1.5 mm rod and perhaps 30-50 amps for a tapered roller bearing typically used on a bike. TIG welding can also be used. It is also good practice to protect surrounding areas from welding spatter when doing this. A wet cotton rag, fiberglass welding blankets, etc can be used. A thick coat of heavy grease may also be used.
Then drink a cold beer, cup of coffee or tea, or whatever, while the weld cools down.
Due to the shrinking caused by the weld, the race is now loose, and can be pulled out by hand when everything is cold.
I just read a post where someone struggled to remove the outer races of the steering head bearings.
Any stuck OUTER bearing race can be removed using a welder. I have done this on ship diesel engines, car flywheels, and other bearing races. It is also useful for removing valve seats on truck and ship diesel engines.
Just carefully run a bead of weld on the inside of the race, all the way around. Use a welding rod size and welding current suitable for the dimensions of the bearing race. I would try with a 1.5 mm rod and perhaps 30-50 amps for a tapered roller bearing typically used on a bike. TIG welding can also be used. It is also good practice to protect surrounding areas from welding spatter when doing this. A wet cotton rag, fiberglass welding blankets, etc can be used. A thick coat of heavy grease may also be used.
Then drink a cold beer, cup of coffee or tea, or whatever, while the weld cools down.
Due to the shrinking caused by the weld, the race is now loose, and can be pulled out by hand when everything is cold.
