Steering Gear Housing Lower Race

[Mountain Dew]

I am trying to remove the steering worm bearing lower cup from a 2-tooth steering gear casting. I am having a heck of a time. I am open to any suggestions or tricks.

[Craig Lewis]

The two 1/4 holes at the bottom are covered by the race.
You can use a pin punch up through the holes to knock the race loose...or...just run a couple of long thread bolts from the bottom and jack it loose.

[dlshady]

That can be a tough one. You've probably already figured this out, but it has to be tapped out using a punch through the two 1/4" holes at the bottom. You should be able to get the edge of the race with the edge of the punch, but you need to be sure that the punch has a good sharp edge on it. If you're using an old punch, put it in a vise and dress the end of it with a file to obtain a nice crisp end. Also, alternate back and forth from one hole to the other so you don't cock the race sideways. Once you get it moving it will become easier. The only other suggestion I could offer is to be careful and not booger up the exposed edge of the race, because if you hose it up you're going to have a heck of a time getting it out.


Deron

[dlshady]

Craig types faster than I do....

[Craig Lewis]

Originally Posted by dlshady

Craig types faster than I do....

Ha Ha ....I use TWO fingers to type.
Unless I'm at work where only one is available

[Mountain Dew]

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What do you mean a crisp end on the punch? Does it need a point on it?

[Rowdy]

Flat with no burrs. Rod

[Mountain Dew]

I'm concerned that if I use bolts to try to jack it out, I will strip the threads in the casting. Tapping it out with a punch just isn't working. What if I get 2 identical punches and put it in a press, apply equal pressure on both punches?

[Rowdy]

That should work. I have had afew that were stubborn also. Rod

[john charlton]

Try heating the end with a hand held propane/butane torch,this has worked for me.

John in cool damp overcast England.

[dlshady]

Originally Posted by Mountain Dew

I'm concerned that if I use bolts to try to jack it out, I will strip the threads in the casting. Tapping it out with a punch just isn't working. What if I get 2 identical punches and put it in a press, apply equal pressure on both punches?

Rowdy is right, just a nice clean flat end on the punch, not burred up or rounded off edges. You might try the "two punches in a press" methon but I have a feeling that it will frustrate you more than it will help. Its been my experience in the past that if you use a punch just a bit smaller than the hole and tilt it sideways, you can get a good strike against the edge of the race. And there's still a chance that you could booger up the threads, in which case you'll just have to chase them with a tap or Heli-Coil them. I'm sure there are other methods out there but this is what's worked for me in the past.

Deron

[Mountain Dew]

I finally got the race out of the casting. I ruined four punches to do it. The attempt using two identical punches in a press did not work. That quickly broke a punch. I ended up getting it out by heating it cherry red with a torch and driving the race down with a punch through the 1/4 inch holes. I was able to drive the race down about 3/8 inch and then I was able to get a chisle on it through the opening.

[Rich in Tucson]

How did you all install a new race, or was that less of a problem? Thanks.

[Bob C]

Can't you weld a bead around the old race to shrink it?

Bob