Argh! Can't remove lower steering bearing race!!!

[propflux01]

I used a 'ladyfinger'. Took about 4 hits with the hammer and fell out.

[ironsheik]

I used a 'ladyfinger'. Took about 4 hits with the hammer and fell out.

What's a ladyfinger?

[propflux01]

This:


I used the curved part and hooked into the lower race, then with a hammer and a extension, through the top, smacked it and 4 hits later it was out. Took all of less than a minute.

[mighty13d]

looks like an extended railroad spike

[propflux01]

I do not know what the 'technical' name for them are, but I have always heard them called 'ladyfingers'. Sort of a pry bar, and have always had one or two around in a toolbox. the head works real good getting into that spot on the bottom of the neck that is slightly wider, and like i said, 4 hits and it was out!

[NICK!]

My first master mechanic called them "lady foot" pry bars. Actually you didn't need to know the proper name. You just went on the tool truck, pointed and said "gimmie those".

Everything on the tool truck was the same price. Twenty bucks a week for the rest of your life......

[Greg O.]

I don't know if it is even possible for this application having never changed these bearings, but I have removed bearing cups before in other machinery by running a bead of weld on the inside of the bearing cup. When it cools, it shrinks the cup by a few thousandeths of an inch and it will just about fall out. Like I say, it may not work or be safe for this application.

[Don-lo]

Twenty bucks a week for the rest of your life......

I remember that truck...

I modified a solid steel shaft (about the size of a motor mount) by grinding a small notch near the end. The notch let the shaft slip slightly into the gap above the race. Push the shaft away on top and strike solidly. It's worked every time.