roller bearing question - cups and cones

[HCJtractor]

I am restoring an old planter. I have disassembled the coulters and removed the two roller bearings and seal, and these are still available. My question is do I also need to replace the bearing cups? They appear to be smooth and not pitted. They are obviously still seated in the cast iron hub. Do you only replace the cups when they are bad or do you do this routinely every time you replace the bearing cones? And if you do replace them, how do you get them out of the hub and how do you press them back in? I believe that I can still re-use the old ones and just leave them alone, but just wanted to make sure.

Also is there a trick to pressing in the new seals or do I just carefully tap them in, maybe using a wood block? Thanks. I have never done bearings before.

 

[KYErik]

If the bearings were cheap and perfectly match the taper of the cups (races), I'd just leave the originals in place and use them. You can always replace them at a later time if you see that the bearings wear out fast.

If this was a trailer axle and was to be used on public roads, I'd say that you should replace everything. You can remove the races (cups) with a hammer and flat punch working them in or out by using a circular pattern while striking them. A dremmel tool grinding bit can be sued to remove excess rust that may keep the race from sliding out.

 

[oldmech]

Hi! Shure The best is replace cup with bearing. Sometimes not very easy to remove. Heat ,punch with big hammer. But if cup look not very used. you can take a chance. For replace cup and seal . I put them in a freezer for 2-3 hours before. The cold make them a little bit smaller and fit better. Be gentle with seal You can use a small hammer and hard wood block You tap around 2-3 turns. Dont forget roller bearing must be run or adjust with a light pressure on the cup. Good luck ! Oldmech

 

[KubotaSam]

If you do not replace the cup, the bearing will not last as long as it should. I guess it just depends on how much you are going to use it. If it were me I would do the job once and replace the cup and bearing.

 

[HCJtractor]

THis planter will be used only several times a year and will plant only a few acres, so the "mileage" will be very minimal. Since this thing is 60 years old and every part I try to remove is a major undertaking, i am afraid if I start hammering on this to remove the cup, I may open a can of worms. I think I will see how the new bearings feel and if they seem smooth, I will go with the old cups. Even with the old bearings sitting outside unused for 40 years, the grease was still good and there was no corrosion inside. Thanks for the replies.

 

[MF 1532]

I was always taught to change cup and cone together , so they will wear together . Most of my customers buy the race and the bearing , but a few don't . That is why I get around a truck / trailer a.s.a.p. when passing . I have seen some bad things happen on the heavy duty side . Of course your situation isn't a safety issue like the above mentioned is .

 

[rcurrie]

Cups and cones should be replaced at the same time. To get a cup or race out that you can not hit the back with a punch and hammer you can weld a bead around the inside of the race, let it cool and it should shrink enough to fall out or pull out with a seal pick.

 

[boomer1025]

I am restoring an old planter. I have disassembled the coulters and removed the two roller bearings and seal, and these are still available. My question is do I also need to replace the bearing cups? They appear to be smooth and not pitted. They are obviously still seated in the cast iron hub. Do you only replace the cups when they are bad or do you do this routinely every time you replace the bearing cones? And if you do replace them, how do you get them out of the hub and how do you press them back in? I believe that I can still re-use the old ones and just leave them alone, but just wanted to make sure.

Also is there a trick to pressing in the new seals or do I just carefully tap them in, maybe using a wood block? Thanks. I have never done bearings before.

Are the bearings pitted ?? If they aren't, pack them with new grease and reuse them, replace the seals.

 

[puckgrinder85]

I'd say just replace the bearings if you feel they are fine, obviously the wheels arent going to spinning a whole lot, an OTR truck or something, yea, everything would be replaced.

 

[mpham]

Low speed,low impact use. I would reuse if not pitted or replace bearings only.
I would clean and inspect for pitting. If they look good and turn fine I would repack and reinstall.