How do I get my bearing back in my Speed Gems motor can?

[greg_in_michigan]

I had major problems with my Garnet getting the bearing back in the can, and I am having problems with my Topaz too. I took it out the clean it and re lube it, and now I can't get it back in. I worked it for a half hour last night. I tried pushing it in with a screw driver, and I even put some bearing oil in the hole to see if it would work. And it didn't. I am thinking this wasn't supposed to come out in the first place? I always got my Garnet bearing in, but I did have problems.

[Jason C]

I get my bearings in by using a small screwdriver, an old motor bushing, and a wooden dowel. I first slide the old bushing onto the screwdriver shaft, followed by the bearing. Then I guide the bearing into its place in the can and give the screwdriver a firm push to seat the bearing in a bit so the magnets won't pull it out (the old bushing is there to spread out the force so I won't damage the bearing). Once the bearing is seated, I use a wooden dowel and a small hammer to gently tap it in. I hope this helps you.

[Lotus00]

usually i just beat the bearing in with a screwdriver (a plastic one) supprisingly i havent ruined one yet...

[greg_in_michigan]

I used a screw driver in the center of the bearing, and then i hammered that in there. But that didn't work this time. I don't have any dowels which will hold up to a hammer so I will have to try to beat it some more. I already reuined both of the bearings, and one in my Garnet. They are dented. They still work, but it would be nice if they weren't bent.

[Railman]

Greg, I like Jasons idea about using a stock bushing to push the bearing with. I think that if you heated the can to about 120', cooled the bearing in the freezer for a few minutes, & used an old arm with the bushing on the com end to push the bearing you will solve your problem. That should work well as long as the arm is of the rebuildable type with the long shaft. This will give a good bearing alignment while you tap it in.

[ 08-15-2001: Message edited by: Railman ]

[HauntedMyst]

I think that if you heated the can to about 120', cooled the bearing in the freezer for a few minutes

I think if you take the motor up to 800 degree and the brought the bearing down to absolute zero degree, it would practically fall into place.

[Railman]

Haunted, LOL! The only thing is 800 degs would smoke the wire insulation, waste the magnets, & you wouldn't be able to handle the can. The only reason I suggested the heat cool option is because it souded like he was having a lot of trouble. Normally they go in without the extra heat cool option. I occasionally have to replace big bearings on machinery & it makes things a whole lot easier that way. :D

[greg_in_michigan]

So, ummmm, sure. lol. I will try that stuff. I gotta make sure I am in a good mood so I don't throw the thing against the wall when it doesn't work. lol.

[ttweedle]

I too have installed alot of bearings with a .015 press fit, we used dry ice and a heat gun... usually they would just fall into place...Using a big ass hammer...lol but realisticly the heat/cold should work like a dream...
:)