Is there a trick to installing these bearings on the umbrella drive gear

[Stevin]

I am dreading tomorrow when my parts arrive. After a hard landing I have to install the bearings onto the torque umbrella drive gear (i think thats what its called) The gear that is on the frame end of the torque tube. Upon first build the entire tail boom mount comes ready to install. I wish I could just buy the entire thing again but cant find it.

Last time I had to actually use a press that I have to get the bearings on that plastic tube gear and I was very worried I would crack it since I had to basically shimmy it. Anyone have experience doing this?

[rcflyerheli]

I found an aftermarket manufacturer (ryauger@yahoo.com) who manufactures a neat tool that works perfect for removing and installing the umbrella gear bearings on 500-600-700 helis. The tool was about $40.00 as I recall, but it works great. It is listed as Precision Heli Tools.

One thing I have done is to slightly sand the outer surface of the nylon gear slightly. As long as you don't remove so much that it spins in the bearing, you should be ok.

[350Z_Al]

Throw the umbrella gear gear in the freezer for 30 minutes before sliding the bearing on?

[Dan E]

Get something like this?
http://precisionhelitools.com/

[rknaub]

Throw the umbrella gear gear in the freezer for 30 minutes before sliding the bearing on?

I never thought of doing this... But I assume it works?

[350Z_Al]

I never thought of doing this... But I assume it works?

I'm trying to remember how I did it on my 500, but I can't remember... It's worth a shot at least.

[el guapo]

on my 450 i heated the bearing and froze the gear. and probably used a socket or drilled a hole in a board to press the bearing on.

and i think i gun drilled the gear to get the bearing off the dead gear. once the walls are thinner its easier to pop it off.

I only ever had to do it once.

[Stevin]

im glad to see im not the only one that finds this difficult. They should start selling the part with the bearings installed.