removal of rear arm outer races

[rutter123]

anyone got any tips on removing/refitting the outer bearing races from the rear suspension arm? i dont have a puller, and need to leave the plastic sleeve in situ as im not replacing it cos i dont have one, i only have the bearings and seals.

[mat_fenwick]

For ease of searching in the future, can we try and keep technical threads in the right section please?

If you run a bead of weld around the bearing race it will shrink on cooling, and also give more purchase to tap it out from the other end. Otherwise the sleeve will stop you from knocking it out as it covers the edge of the race.

[Jaba]

Use the old metal tube and put it down the arm so that it is resting on the outer race. Then put a large screwdriver or even the old bolt and force the tube firmly onto the outer bearing. If you are not removing the inner plastic tube then you will have to compress the inner plastic tube a bit. Then use a hammer to force the race out working round a bit at a time.

Works for me as I don't have a welder.

[themildbunch]

yep, i did a similar thing IIRC, a combination of a long, flat head hammer through screwdriver and a bit of bashing got them out fairly easily....

[Ermel]

When doing them on my GTi, we had to cut the races with a Dremel tool, then poke them out once cut through. With the arm supported with the opening pointed up, cut down in a spiral. That way you spread the (unavoidable) damage to the arm over a larger area; it takes longer that way, but leaves the arm usable despite minor blemishes. Don't attempt cutting through all at once; weaken, then poke, repeat until the race gives. Took maybe an hour per side including cleanup of the seating, also with the Dremel.

Yours, Ermel.

[citronut]

as Mat says
but i only run two short beads of mig opposite each other, instead of mig all the way around,
then if it doesn't fall out you have a ledge to tap them out by,

regards malcolm