The Ford Barn

700rpm · 03-07-2013, 08:00 PM

I have two Gemmer 2-tooth boxes and I can't get the lower bearing race out of either one of them. I have tried Les Andrews's suggestion of tapping (whacking, really) them with an 1/8" drift punch and a 12 oz. ball peen, but neither will budge. Can I whack them too hard, to where the housing will break?

Or what else to try?

I need some suggestions.

UPDATE: What did the trick was persistance and a heavier blow by the hammer. I have two boxes, and both responded to a bigger whack. Thanks to everyone who gave suggestions.

msmaron · 03-07-2013, 08:11 PM

its best to use a press to get them out...good luck

Joe K · 03-07-2013, 08:27 PM

When you use the punch, you're going in through the two threaded screw holes, right? This gets firmly behind the bearing race.

The issue is one of "walking" the race out of the housing. A little bit at a time for each side.

I suppose it might be possible to use a two fingered "removal accessory" and a press to do this job. Or a socket and a press to get to the edge of the race from the center big hole open end.

I've done about 5 boxes like this and while snug, the race will come. Never had it fail. Once the ring is off it's seat you'll find it on the workbench covered by the housing.

Joe K

Craig Lewis · 03-07-2013, 09:13 PM

Seems to me only the edge of the race shows through the holes.
This means you should use a slightly smaller punch, with a freshly dressed tip, and tilt it in the hole for a better "bite".
Switch side to side so it don't cock & jamb.
Finally..and most important...place the housing on a solid heavy base like an anvil or big hunk of steel or even on the cement floor with a thin piece of hardwood between. Things just "jump around" on wooden bench tops.
If all else fails heat the outside housing with a propane torch.

Purdy Swoft · 03-07-2013, 09:30 PM

I've always removed them with a punch and hammer. I walked them out like Joe K said. if one side gets too far ahead it gets more difficult.I think that you need to use a larger punch and a heavier hammer. I've got a three pound drilling hammer that I like. The bolt holes are 1/4 X 28 .I think that a 1/8 punch would be too small and easy to bend. I use a drift punch that will slip in the threaded holes more closely.Whacking with a too light hammer doesn't deliver enough shock to get the bearing race moveing An older mechanic showed me this several years ago and it has always worked for me.

spike · 03-07-2013, 09:35 PM

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try using two longer bolts on the two holes in the bottom and -push it out a little at a time maybe a half of a turn on one and then the other. that should get it started then use your small punch and slowly work it out the rest of the way. good luck

700rpm · 03-08-2013, 03:55 PM

See update in OP.

Thanks everyone.

Joe K · 03-08-2013, 04:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spike

try using two longer bolts on the two holes in the bottom and -push it out a little at a time maybe a half of a turn on one and then the other. that should get it started then use your small punch and slowly work it out the rest of the way. good luck

I LIKE this suggestion. Can't say I've thought of it having seen Les Andrews "oh this is easy if you do this" suggestion.

Thanks!
Joe K

Purdy Swoft · 03-08-2013, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 700rpm

I have two Gemmer 2-tooth boxes and I can't get the lower bearing race out of either one of them. I have tried Les Andrews's suggestion of tapping (whacking, really) them with an 1/8" drift punch and a 12 oz. ball peen, but neither will budge. Can I whack them too hard, to where the housing will break?

Or what else to try?

I need some suggestions.

UPDATE: What did the trick was persistance and a heavier blow by the hammer. I have two boxes, and both responded to a bigger whack. Thanks to everyone who gave suggestions.

Thanks Ray, for the update. I knew you could do it!!

700rpm · 03-08-2013, 04:59 PM

I thought about Spike's suggestion about the two bolts, but got concerned that I would either twist the heads off of the bolts or I would damage the threads in the casting. Not sure either of those concerns was valid, though. I guess I would try it with hardened bolts.

03-07-2013, 08:00 PM	#1
700rpm Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 5,906	Lower race removal update: Problem Solved! I have two Gemmer 2-tooth boxes and I can't get the lower bearing race out of either one of them. I have tried Les Andrews's suggestion of tapping (whacking, really) them with an 1/8" drift punch and a 12 oz. ball peen, but neither will budge. Can I whack them too hard, to where the housing will break? Or what else to try? I need some suggestions. *UPDATE: What did the trick was persistance and a heavier blow by the hammer. I have two boxes, and both responded to a bigger whack. Thanks to everyone who gave suggestions.* __________________ Ray Horton, Portland, OR As you go through life, keep your eye on the donut, not the hole. Last edited by 700rpm; 03-08-2013 at 03:54 PM. Reason: Update

03-07-2013, 08:11 PM	#2
msmaron Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Wauconda, IL Posts: 3,600	Re: How do you remove the lower race on a Gemmer 2-tooth? its best to use a press to get them out...good luck __________________ Mark Maron Ill., Region MARC & MAFCA MARC JSC Member MAFFI Trustee National Facebook Admin. https://www.facebook.com/groups/MARC.group/ A7191-Sport Coupe 29 Roadster 29-Town Sedan 29-Original Special Coupe

03-07-2013, 08:27 PM	#3
Joe K Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Cow Hampshire Posts: 4,188	Re: How do you remove the lower race on a Gemmer 2-tooth? When you use the punch, you're going in through the two threaded screw holes, right? This gets firmly behind the bearing race. The issue is one of "walking" the race out of the housing. A little bit at a time for each side. I suppose it might be possible to use a two fingered "removal accessory" and a press to do this job. Or a socket and a press to get to the edge of the race from the center big hole open end. I've done about 5 boxes like this and while snug, the race will come. Never had it fail. Once the ring is off it's seat you'll find it on the workbench covered by the housing. Joe K __________________ Shudda kept the horse.

03-07-2013, 09:13 PM	#4
Craig Lewis Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Parksville B.C. Canada Posts: 880	Re: How do you remove the lower race on a Gemmer 2-tooth? Seems to me only the edge of the race shows through the holes. This means you should use a slightly smaller punch, with a freshly dressed tip, and tilt it in the hole for a better "bite". Switch side to side so it don't cock & jamb. Finally..and most important...place the housing on a solid heavy base like an anvil or big hunk of steel or even on the cement floor with a thin piece of hardwood between. Things just "jump around" on wooden bench tops. If all else fails heat the outside housing with a propane torch.

03-07-2013, 09:30 PM	#5
Purdy Swoft Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Alabama Posts: 8,099	Re: How do you remove the lower race on a Gemmer 2-tooth? I've always removed them with a punch and hammer. I walked them out like Joe K said. if one side gets too far ahead it gets more difficult.I think that you need to use a larger punch and a heavier hammer. I've got a three pound drilling hammer that I like. The bolt holes are 1/4 X 28 .I think that a 1/8 punch would be too small and easy to bend. I use a drift punch that will slip in the threaded holes more closely.Whacking with a too light hammer doesn't deliver enough shock to get the bearing race moveing An older mechanic showed me this several years ago and it has always worked for me.

03-07-2013, 09:35 PM	#6
spike Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Jackson Michigan Posts: 245	Re: How do you remove the lower race on a Gemmer 2-tooth? Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) try using two longer bolts on the two holes in the bottom and -push it out a little at a time maybe a half of a turn on one and then the other. that should get it started then use your small punch and slowly work it out the rest of the way. good luck

03-08-2013, 03:55 PM	#7
700rpm Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 5,906	Re: Lower race removal update: Problem Solved! See update in OP. Thanks everyone. __________________ Ray Horton, Portland, OR As you go through life, keep your eye on the donut, not the hole.

03-08-2013, 04:59 PM	#10
700rpm Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 5,906	Re: Lower race removal update: Problem Solved! I thought about Spike's suggestion about the two bolts, but got concerned that I would either twist the heads off of the bolts or I would damage the threads in the casting. Not sure either of those concerns was valid, though. I guess I would try it with hardened bolts. __________________ Ray Horton, Portland, OR As you go through life, keep your eye on the donut, not the hole.