Cutlass Bearing Removal

Hi,

Taking a hacksaw to them is probably the only way you are going to get them out at a reasonable cost.

You will need to be really careful when cutting through the bearing sleeve that you do not cut to far into the strut. This is because the natural tendency with a hacksaw cutting the pipe lengthways which is what you are doing here is to rock it a bit and cut through at the ends first leaving a not inconsiderable amount of material in the middle.

How big is it and is there anyone close by who could possibly line bore it out for you without charging an arm and a leg for the privilege?

Cordless SawZall, no rocking. Done.

Kiwi

Would a tool like this help at all??? I'm sure you could probably make this yourself. I'd be worried about using a hack saw

There are several good tools already available for removing a cutlass bearing easily, which most quality shops have on their bench. Hack saw blades, heat and sledge hammers will work, but are a little primative

Hacksaw or Sawzall will work they are just time consuming. The best method is a hydraulic puller if your mechanic can get his hads on one, lots of boatyards have these today perhaps he has a friend that will lend him one.

I agree, also Cutlass bearings come with a brass outer shell usually. If the old ones take a lot to remove chances are the new ones will fit loosly, you want them tight. If the new ones slide in and out easily, you want to take them to a machine shop and have them knurled (outer shell) so they fit tight and coat them with red locktite.

Since this is the 90s, ya gotta update to new technology! The new bearings you need are phenolic resin shell units. I can almost gaurantee with little uncertantity that the new ones will need to be pressed back in s well. I'm on my third set in 35 years. I also just did my 65 foot Hatteras bearings last year. Thats 3 per shaft. Those struts are bronze and the bearings need to be pressed out as well. A hydraulic pusher can be made out of a GREENLEE knockout tool. Usr a quality Simplex stud, not the chocolate **** from the hardware store! ws

Sawzawl, cut it into 1/4s doing a doublr cut at one joint to make a "V" groove then chisel the bits out. That's the way I typically do it on struts.

You might want to check-out the non-hydraulic tool at strutpro.com. Looks like a simple, straightforward press. I've had zero experience at either this tool or replacement, just spied the advert in Sail.

I have had good luck with a threaded puller. From my experience, most bearing are held in with set screws in addition to the press fit, they tend to get hard to see with years on paint and growth. These screws are a little hard to remove because a good practice is to deform the threads to make sure they stay in place.

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John

bearings

These are the folks to deal with. PERIOD! ws

http://www.deepblueyachtsupply.com/products/nonmetallicinchcutlessbearing.aspx