Removing semi-floating axle bearing retaining collars

[cjc_td5]

Seems that bearing retaining collars are "item of the week" at the moment...

Has anyone got any tips on how to press out the bearing retaining collar on a rear semi-floating axle? A couple of engineering workshops that I have asked here in town say they cannot do it due to not having a jig to get around the brake backing plate (I suspect they were more worried about breaking the flange or they just mightn't have wanted to do it either).

I might have to make up a frame myself to clear the backing plate to be used in a std press. Has anyone got any pics or description of what they have used? (I have even considered cutting off the backing plate so that the flange can be pressed off easier and sourcing another backing plate).

Cheers,
Chris

[gromit]

Chris,

There is a drawing in the Series 1 workshop manual (PM me with your email address if you need the details).
It details 20tons to release plus 'some sharp blows on the bearing housing with a brass drift'. 2.5 tons to press back together (if you have the correct interference fit ;))
When I wanted to get mine done I spoke with a LR repairer and he used the full 20 tons of his press and sometimes had to use the oxy torch to warm it up to get it to release.
Because mine had been welded on (and they needed to be replaced) I chose to grind through and split them to get them off. Bit awkward to get to but possible if you are going to replace them anyway.

Colin

Colin

[chazza]

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2009/08/1319.jpg

I made a pair of blocks by casting them in aluminium. They support the backing plate, whilst the collar and bearing are pressed off.

I have read of others who have pressed against the unsupported backing plate without bending it but I wouldn't like to try it myself,

Cheers Charlie

[cjc_td5]

Chris,

There is a drawing in the Series 1 workshop manual (PM me with your email address if you need the details).
It details 20tons to release plus 'some sharp blows on the bearing housing with a brass drift'. 2.5 tons to press back together (if you have the correct interference fit ;))
When I wanted to get mine done I spoke with a LR repairer and he used the full 20 tons of his press and sometimes had to use the oxy torch to warm it up to get it to release.
Because mine had been welded on (and they needed to be replaced) I chose to grind through and split them to get them off. Bit awkward to get to but possible if you are going to replace them anyway.

Colin

Colin

I have a workshop manual with a diagram of the removal tool.
Given that I assume that there may not be many of the original tools around any more, I was trying to see what people have improvised to release the collar themselves.
Cutting the collar is a last resort, it looks like a %&#@ of a job to get access to the collar (and not damage the axle shaft).

I have an idea for a puller attachment in mind. Just have to raid the scrap steel pile at the farm when I am there next...

Cheers,

[dennisS1]

If the collar is good and you wish to reuse it than its not to hard to remove with a 10 to 20 ton press, just be careful and pack up under the backing plate. You don’t need a special tool just use some care with the packing, a little heat with the weight on is some times helpful.
If you are not going to reuse a hit with the angle grinder will make it real easy to push off.
Dennis