How to install ball bearings

[krish2487]

Hello.

This seemed like an appropriate place to ask the question.

How do you guys install ball bearings?
Something like this

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Ball_Bearing_with_Semi_Transparent_Cover.JPG

How do you guys fit the bearing onto a rod??
Any special tools, techniques or plain blunt force???
Just plain curiosity...

Thanks in advance

 

[rsanter]

You need a press and a plate or adapter that will push on the inner race

Bob

 

[chad99]

Depends on application if it fits tight in a housing press on outer race,if it is a press fit to a shaft,press on inner race.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Both the inner and outer race will be tight fit, likely an interference fit (outer race diameter slightly larger than the bore it will fit in; inner race bore slightly smaller than the shaft it will go on). This is required so that the only movement will occur between the races and the balls. You do NOT want the bearing race to move in relationship to the shaft or housing.

The best way to install is with a press and proper size cup although you can probably get away with putting a board over the entire bearing and smacking it with a hammer (like installing grease seal on wheel hub).

 

[Wastedwagesracing]

Temperature differential. Heat the bearing on a bearing heater or hot plate, electric skillet. Cool the other part in the refrigerator or freezer. Slip them together let the temperature equilibrate.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Temperature differential. Heat the bearing on a bearing heater or hot plate, electric skillet. Cool the other part in the refrigerator or freezer. Slip them together let the temperature equilibrate.

Works good for installing the shaft in the inner bearing race.

You have to do the opposite, for the outer bearing race (heat the housing).

 

[Murphy4570]

I use a shop press for those, and whatever adapters off of the brake lathe that will fit. Wheel bearings are the most common for me.

 

[Jagmandave]

I use a brass drift and like the others say, tap on the inner race if it's onto a shaft, the outer if it's into a bore.

 

[yhprum]

Dont push on the wrong race and transfer the load through the balls or rollers either.

 

[krish2487]

Thank you everybody...

I used a mallet and tapped it into place when i installed a couple of bearings a long time ago...
Never had the need to do so again..

But hey, forewarned is forearmed...

Just wanted to inform myself on how to do things the right way...

Temperature differential. Heat the bearing on a bearing heater or hot plate, electric skillet. Cool the other part in the refrigerator or freezer. Slip them together let the temperature equilibrate.

@wastedwagesracing
Seems like the most hassle-free way.. Thanks for the tip!!!

Works good for installing the shaft in the inner bearing race.

You have to do the opposite, for the outer bearing race (heat the housing).

@theoldwizard1

I ll keep that in mind when i am installing the housing on the outer race..


Thank you everybody.