dry ice and bearings?

mmidlam

Member
I am replacing a wheel bearing in a hub that appears to be a thermal fit. A 10 ton press couldn't move the race, so I welded a bead on the race. They are normally replaced as an assembly.
I have the ideal to freeze the bearing in dry ice and heat the hub to about 200 degrees. will dry ice damage the bearing? Any advice?
 
If you are trying to put the bearing back on a shaft, you want to heat the bearing in hot oil and then slip it on the shaft. If you are replacing the race in a wheel hub you should be able to drive it out with a punch unless there are some set screws or a snap ring holding it in. Don't know what you are working on but I have never had to use a press to take out a race.
 
Did you try the new one for size yet?

It may be a couple of thousands smaller and slide right in.

Or a little polishing with emery cloth may do wonders.

Heating and cooling helps as well but should not be needed if all is clean and smooth.

Gary
 
The press fit is almost always on the rotating part of the bearing, so what you have said makes perfect sense.
That said, dry ice will not hurt the bearing at all. Just make sure you clean the hub bearing seat thoroughly and check for any burrs before installing... you will be fine. Cooling alone should be enough, but heating the hub will not hurt.
 
(quoted from post at 00:54:40 05/04/13) The press fit is almost always on the rotating part of the bearing, so what you have said makes perfect sense.
That said, dry ice will not hurt the bearing at all. Just make sure you clean the hub bearing seat thoroughly and check for any burrs before installing... you will be fine. Cooling alone should be enough, but heating the hub will not hurt.

We used to empty a C02 fire extinguisher on aircraft bearing races to shrink them a bit before sliding into place. Not sure how correct that might me now though

Sw
 
It is a standard practice on Homogenizer valve seats to pack them in dry ice, then install and let warm up.
 

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