How are these casters removed? Please HELP!

[ALTEREGO]

I'm sorry I couldn't find an answer on the forum nor after searching the interwebs for a while and time is of the essence (kids are waiting for me to go play).

How are these casters removed? The press/casters were left outside for who knows how long and the casters were seized. After lots of WD40 and a few taps they now move but I can hear all the dirt grinding when the caster spins. I would like to take them apart for a thorough cleaning and greasing.

The bottom of the bolt seems to have been opened wider than the nut to hold it in place but I might be wrong. Maybe the bolt was cut at the bottom to allow a screwdriver to hold it in place while the nut is turned?

How is this done? Thank you in advance for your help!

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[The Cobbler]

the stud is staked like that so the nut doesn't come off.
you could try grinding the stud down and getting the nut off. usually casters aren't considered serviceable and are just replaced .

 

[Jarwop]

I also think the bolt was split and spread to keep the nut on. I'd remove the bolt through the wheel and the wheel. Then grind off the end of the split bolt that the yoke spins on. You should be able to remove the nut and get the yoke off. There will be ball bearings in the cup of the yoke. clean it all up and when reassembling maybe drill a hole for a cotter pin through the nut and bolt or replace the bolt, split the new bolt like the original.

 

[BillK]

If you have them moving then keep shooting them up with WD 40 or PB blaster and keep spinning them. The should free up fairly quickly. Only other choice is to do what the others have suggested and grind or cut the head off the bolt. If you go to that trouble you might as well replace them.

 

[Marctrees]

Just hose out the top bearings w carb cleaner and re lube.

NO need to tear that apart.

Dissasemble axle bolt, clean, and relube and re assemble.

Marc

 

[BD1]

Being exposed to the elements cleaning may free up to turn, but not the best swivel casters. I would replace completely instead of investing time on those. Unless $$$ is a issue.
You could buy a HF dolly for the casters.
Remove and toss the wood.


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[lilredex]

I'd try one to start. Take off that nut by grinding the stud, as already suggested. And, clean up.

Those HF castors above (BD1) are plate mounting and could be extra work.

The correct ball bearing loading on the swivel is one less than full, to keep them from jamming.

 

[ALTEREGO]

Thanks everyone, I appreciate the help! I’ll start with lots of carb cleaner, lots of WD40 and then some garage door lube spray. If it is not good enough I’ll grind the lower end of the bolt to take it out and inspect and probably get new casters. I’m still not sure I have enough space to keep the press so I want to invest as little as possible in case I end up selling it.

 

[BD1]

I'd try one to start. Take off that nut by grinding the stud, as already suggested. And, clean up.

Those HF castors above (BD1) are plate mounting and could be extra work.

The correct ball bearing loading on the swivel is one less than full, to keep them from jamming.

Extra work is a possibility. It depends on what tools and experience he has.
Many of us are fully equipped so what's extra work for some is two minutes for us.
I guilty of thinking everyone has as much tools and equipment as me. [emoji23]


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[619DioFan]

I would hose them out with brakekleen then pump them full of grease via the grease fitting.

 

[ALTEREGO]

I would hose them out with brakekleen then pump them full of grease via the grease fitting.

I’ve been using carburetor cleaner (what I have at hand), is brakekleen much better?

You are right! I’ll skip the garage door lube, lots of grease it is!

 

[619DioFan]

I’ve been using carburetor cleaner (what I have at hand), is brakekleen much better?

You are right! I’ll skip the garage door lube, lots of grease it is!

I tend to use brakekleen for a variety of degreasing needs ( don't have a parts washer ) I get it at walmart , seems to be the lowest price. have only used carb cleaner on carbs .

 

[metalmagpie]

It appears to me that that is a plate caster and that it is welded around the edge. If I had to remove it I'd use an angle grinder.

 

[LS6 Tommy]

It appears to me that that is a plate caster and that it is welded around the edge. If I had to remove it I'd use an angle grinder.

X2. BTW, caster bearings are not lubed, especially with not grease. Lube attracts dirt and grit. Lots of brake cleaner and compressed air should free them up. Them just leave 'em dry.

Tommy

 

[ALTEREGO]

X2. BTW, caster bearings are not lubed, especially with not grease. Lube attracts dirt and grit. Lots of brake cleaner and compressed air should free them up. Them just leave 'em dry.

Tommy

Hi Tommy,

Interesting comment, it makes sense that grease will attract dirt I think that’s precisely how the casters froze. What doesn’t make sense is the grease fittings in the casters... perhaps they were sealed to prevent contamination and the seal failed?

In any case, thank you for your comment.

 

[ALTEREGO]

It appears to me that that is a plate caster and that it is welded around the edge. If I had to remove it I'd use an angle grinder.

Hi metal,

The casters seem to be functional now. I will keep cleaning them with brake cleaner and air, hopefully that will do. Not sure I want to invest the time and effort to replace the casters specially if I have to grind them off. Too many projects too little time. Thank you for your comment!

 

[ratdoggy]

Being exposed to the elements cleaning may free up to turn, but not the best swivel casters. I would replace completely instead of investing time on those. Unless $$$ is a issue.
You could buy a HF dolly for the casters.
Remove and toss the wood.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I've done that

 

[LS6 Tommy]

Hi Tommy,

Interesting comment, it makes sense that grease will attract dirt I think that’s precisely how the casters froze. What doesn’t make sense is the grease fittings in the casters... perhaps they were sealed to prevent contamination and the seal fail?

In any case, thank you for your comment.

I didn't notice the zerks. I guess once you get them clean, just keep clean grease in them by doing a squirt or two on a regular basis.

Tommy