Spindle repair – removing broken bearings

[babielsParticipant @babiels]

I’m relatively new to milling, but am servicing my circa-1951 “Swinsten” milling machine to improve its accuracy. I also plan to upgrade the chuck from a very old Clarkson (I believe C style) to an ER, to give me more tooling options.

When trying to remove the chuck from the spindle column I identified a sluggish bearing and decided to remove and replace both of them. This was also necessary in order to remove the chuck as something on the chuck was snagging on the bearing, making it impossible to remove.

I’ve drilled out the set screws that were holding the bearings in place, and have tried hammering them, prying them, pulling and pushing at them, it they’re firmly in place. They are so tightly attached that I’m wondering if they were press fit and will need an arbor to remove.

Does anyone know a good method of getting stuck bearings out? The bearings can be scrapped, but I don’t want to damage the column or sleeve/ chuck.

Images attached.

[babielsParticipant @babiels]

[babielsParticipant @babiels]

Here are some photos (I couldn't embed them, so please follow the links to my google drive:

The mill with spindle column removed: **LINK**

The "Swinsten" Badge: **LINK**

The Clarkson Autolock chuck (I think it's "Type C&quot: **LINK**

The spindle column: **LINK**

The top of the chuck (where the drawbar would normally end, but I don't think this chuck has a drawbar) and the bad bearing to be removed: **LINK**

[LambtonParticipant @lambton]

I guess that both bearings butt against a central section of the housing, of smaller diameter than themselves, and so the spindle will have to be removed first. Looking at your last picture there appears to be a locking collar on the spindle to adjust the preload on the bearings. Try removing this collar and what appears to be a spacer behind it then try gently taping the spindle out with a copper hammer.

Once the spindle is out each bearing can be drifted out from the bore of the housing. I hope this makes sense!

[babielsParticipant @babiels]

Thanks Lambton. Sorry I didn't make clear that since taking that photo I removed that collar and got the spindle disengaged from the bearings… however the spindle still can't be removed because: the spindle is straight (no taper) but has a larger diameter section at the top and bottom where the spindle is housed in the two bearings, and; the larger diameter section at the top of the spindle won't get past the lower bearing.

So in this photo: **LINK**

…you are seeing where I am now. The cutting end of the spindle is clear from the column, but the top end of the spindle is stuck in the column because the top of the spindle is stuck behind the lower bearing. I have tried hitting it out with a hammer and rod, but neither the spindle nor the bearing are moving anywhere. I am able to reverse the spindle out to its original position, spin it and try again, but still it gets stuck.

My solution would be just to remove the bearings, as I'd like to replace them anyway. I could possibly get a thin rod down the column to try to tap the lower bearing out using a hammer, but I think it's too tightly stuck in there!

Appreciate your help!

[babielsParticipant @babiels]

This is the view into the column from the top bearing, with the spindle free from the top bearing but stuck on the bottom bearing link.

**LINK**

[Ed DuffnerParticipant @edduffner79357]

Something you could try to remove the lower bearing. Try to hold the spindle column in it's upright orientation then use a hide or heavy nylon hammer to hit against the casting in an upward direction – the bearing 'might' start to come out gradually. I use this technique to remove spindles and field coils from power tools and plant at work.

Alternatively you could use a long brass or aluminium bar as a punch and tap down on the top of the spindle so that the spindle pushes the lower bearing out.

Ed.

[David George 1Participant @davidgeorge1]

Hi Lester where are you based, being a retired service engineer, although not on your make, I thought if you aren't to far from me I could give you a hand. I am from Sutton in Ashfield, Notts.

David

[HopperParticipant @hopper]

Posted by Maxim Lester on 29/04/2018 15:55:19:

My solution would be just to remove the bearings, as I'd like to replace them anyway. I could possibly get a thin rod down the column to try to tap the lower bearing out using a hammer, but I think it's too tightly stuck in there!

Have you tried heating the housing with a propane torch until its hot enough to sizzle when you spit on it (approx 212F) or hotter? Bearings will often basically fall out if you do this. Propane torch with disposable bottle etc are cheap at most local hardware shops and should do the job. Get the largest burner you can.

[mark costello 1Participant @markcostello1]

Here is a bearing removal tool that can remove a bearing that is in a housing with the shaft still in place.

[mark costello 1Participant @markcostello1]

The puller is made from a socket head screw using the hard head for the business end. It did not distort from the pulling. Made 3 but found out I needed 4 hands to use it, so I used 2 and only needed 3 hands.Used a standard pulling plate on the end of the shaft.

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