Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

I have a snowblower mastercraft 8-26,  I have dismounted the front bucket, removed the two pulley, removed the bearing holder, now the bearing seams to be jammed on the shaft,

How can I remove it?, with a puller?, it is supposed to be pressfit?

I want to removed the auger and the impeller and make a paint job, that's why I need to remove the bearing.

Thanks!

If it's similar to my 1988 Ariens, it will be stuck at various points on that shaft.  I sprayed lots of PB Blaster to get the bearing initially loose, but still had to sand parts of the shaft to get the bearing off.  The keyway for the pulley hub was also a little buggered up, so make sure that area is clean too. 

Since I was also painting the housing and augers (and the right angle drive needed some attention), I pressed the shaft through the bearing (forcing the auger and impeller towards the front of the machine).  I did have to manipulate the augers to get them clear of the housing during this part.  The bearing was toast anyway, so I didn't care about it. 

Bear in mind, if you use a puller  that pulls on the outer race, the bearing is toast.  Probably a good idea to change it anyway.  Once you get it off, go to a bearing supply place and have them find a replacement.  I think the one for my Ariens was about $5. 

Ensure that the shaft is clean before replacing.  When installing, make sure you press on the inner race to seat the bearing.  Use a piece of pipe or similar to press it home.  Make sure you press on the inner race only, be careful of the seal (you should get a double sealed bearing). 

Good Luck.

Ralph

Thanks for your help,

I bought a puller and wasn't able to remove it, So I decide to make a huge taping job inside the bucket for painting the auger. It was long, but makes a good job! I used Engine Enamel black shinny paint. once it is completly dry (after one week) this paint is hard like glass and cannot be scratch.

thanks!

Cad - Since you DID attempt to remove the bearing, I can't help but wonder if it is NOW damaged. I would have replaced it since you had everything apart. If you haven't reassembled everything yet, I would seriously consider changing that bearing. It could fail very quickly, and then you will have to take it all apart AGAIN, and then you won't have the machine to use for snow removal. Ralph gave you some good advise on removal - polish the shaft with sandpaper to remove all the rust & any burrs. The bearing can easilly be sliced with a cutoff wheel. Just my opinion - trying to save you some work...

Marty

Cad- Sorry for the delay in responding but I can only post from home. 

Like Marty said- If you tried to use a puller on that bearing, I am also sure that you damaged it.  It might not fail immediately, or even soon, or catastrophically, but it most likely will fail.   If you're spending the time to repaint it, I would spend the few ($5?) for the new bearing  and the extra hour of two to replace it. 

I would try again to remove and replace it.  Like Marty said, cut it off with a Dremel if you have to.  Ensure that the shaft is clean and burr-free and press the new one on using only the inner race. 

Best of luck.

Ralph