Hi Martin- Yes (been there, done that), Yes (it ain't cheap), Yes (you can build your own) and Yes (do 'em both). The big thing about the specialized puller is that it ensures the flange does not get bent at all, once it does its toast and a new flange is quite expensive. There are several web sites with instructions for making one, from time to time the TSSC versions or the original Churchill tools show up on ebay too (that's where I got mine). The puller must withstand a tremendous amount of built up energy from the torque on the bolt before the hub breaks loose. As Huw Upshall warned me- there'll be one hell of a bang when it comes apart- you want a face shield on to do this job. A regular 3 or 4 jaw puller will torque out of shape, besides it won't have the face to face contact plate to support the flange. There are shops that can do it for you, its not cheap but there's some skill involved in reassembly, end float and all, might as well do 'em both at the same time. If you're going to tackle it yourself, you might do some searches in the archives, there's been some great info on evaluating the pieces of the assembly, especially on wear from the needle bearings which sometimes weld themselves on and score the hubs, also the thread about end float was helpful. Check out Paul Tegler's site, I bet somewhere there he's got a link on hub pullers! BTW- as I've said before, anyone near enough to Delaware- I have a TSSC puller that you're welcome to stop by and use if necessary.
Good luck- let us know how it goes! "Any drive you don't return from on a tow truck was a good one..." Jon '77 (mostly) 1500 "Ol' Yeller" FM66043 7U www.bigolbear.com -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]On Behalf Of Martin Pearce Sent: Saturday, October 05, 2002 11:34 AM To: spit Subject: Hub Puller At my last MOT I was advised to change the wheel bearings on my Spitfire4 (1963). Has anyone out there experience of removing the hubs? I see the TSSC sell a hub puller at #50 but this seems a lot to pay just to remove a bearing. Can it be done without or is this a worthwhile investment? Also, I presume its wise to replace both wheel bearings whilst I am at it? Help appreciated Martin /// [EMAIL PROTECTED] mailing list /// Send admin requests to [EMAIL PROTECTED] /// or try http://www.team.net/cgi-bin/majorcool /// Archives at http://www.team.net/archive /// Send list postings to [EMAIL PROTECTED] /// Edit your replies! If they include this trailer, they will NOT be sent.
