TT Umbrella Bearing Mini-Press

[Ron~FordTech]

Hey - I am going thru alot of umbrella gears (as well as the one on the front vertical shaft in the transmission) and I am therefore re&re -ing those blasted bearings frequently. I don't mind the work - and the gears are not that expensive - but I wish I could perform the actual bearing removal&replacement a little more...properly. I realize there is a thread about that on here, and I also know about the little gizmo that fellow made up [and now sells for $50]. It is that threaded shaft gizmo that I wanna ask about:

Did anyone buy one? Is/was it worth it? And have any similar alternatives come down the pipe since that one was born?

Thank you!

[chrismechanic]

yep...i use a car door card removal tool to press off the bearings from those bevel gears

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item....re&dir=catalog

its looks like this tool...the u shape fits behind the bearing so you just put it on the bench and press down...
chris

[heliwaz]

Its up to you if you think its worth it. Any tool that makes your life easier/takes less time & does a good job of it, is worth it in my books. I like the look/ease of use of the tool. It would be super easy to make one.
If you can find a way to stop breaking them: that would be better. But if you are breaking them all the time i would put a trex700 carbon tail fin on or land in shorter grass??

I wouldn't do it like the one in the video, its too rough & you may damage the plastic case. I like to keep the forces in line with bearing shaft.

I do the whole job with two pieces of steel, a very light mini hammer, spark plug socket (long reach socket), small 5mm socket & a vice.
I should cut a U channel in a piece of steel like the one in that picture but i don't replace them often. Basically i do the same thing as the jig.
Remove the bearing with the hammer & the U channel steel.
Install the new bearing with the Sockets & the vice.

[MeatRocket]

Maybe I just don't get it, but it seems like everyone is over-complicating this issue. I use a screwdriver or old TT to tap the gear out of the bearing housing, then I use a soft mallet to tap the new gear into the housing. Takes about 3 minutes and 2 tools.

Go to this video and jump to 5:20

YouTube

YouTube

[chrismechanic]

if you want to use the bearing again dont hammer them...this dents the races and ruins the bearing.
press them off is the way...
chris

[MeatRocket]

Originally Posted by chrismechanic

if you want to use the bearing again dont hammer them...this dents the races and ruins the bearing.
press them off is the way...
chris

I think you're misunderstanding here....the hammer never touches the bearings, just the gear itself. I used a screwdriver to tap the bearings off once and did exactly what you're talking about - had to buy new bearings. If you follow what he does in that video, the bearings stay in the housing the whole time. I've replaced mine twice that way with no problems.

[chrismechanic]

but the load of the tap still ends up on the races of the bearing..fair enough the plastic gear will absorb some of the shock.
why do you think they sell bearing presses for?
chris

[MeatRocket]

Originally Posted by chrismechanic

why do you think they sell bearing presses for?
chris

I'm not disputing that it's a valid point - what I am disputing is that one needs to spend $50 on a tool they may not use that often. The method that I've found works and costs me nothing extra. If the gear spins freely when I'm done, the bearings are just fine.

[MeatRocket]

Originally Posted by chrismechanic

but the load of the tap still ends up on the races of the bearing
chris

Oh yea....and if the gear is not straight when you're using that nice press???? The load of the press still ends up on the race of the bearing - same problem either way. Press straight, tap straight!

[johnahamelv]

Luckily, I do not need to use mine very often. However, the few time I have use the TT Gears Bearing Press http://shop.precisionhelitools.com/T...-Press-107.htm, it made the job much easier than the make shift ways I previously used. I don't consider this tool a must have, but it does make the job much easier and preserves the bearings. Remember that quality replacement ceramic bearings are more expensive than the umbrella itself. These bearings are usually not damaged in crashes, but potentially damaged during removal from the umbrella gear when not using the proper tools.

[dyuen888]

...As long as whatever tool you use to support the TT bearing is the correct width and supports the inner and outer race - you're good to tap away.

I use flat wrench that are used to tightnen hubs on a bike wheel...

[Ron~FordTech]

Hmm. Those that commented on the tool itself are in agreement with me; pretty handy upon occasion -- and superior from a mechanical/preserve-the-bearings aspect -- but a bit dear.

Naturally the avoidance of breakage is preferable; and I'm workin' on that. Meanwhile I think I'll try to duplicate the mechanical aspects of the tool with items I already own.

Thank you for the feedback, gents!

[wanderer56]

Originally Posted by chrismechanic

but the load of the tap still ends up on the races of the bearing..fair enough the plastic gear will absorb some of the shock.
why do you think they sell bearing presses for?
chris

I'd have to go with chrismechanic on this one. It's just the way a tech was trained and thinks. Always use the right tool for the job. And don't forget to grease pack those cheezy little bearings before you install them.

$50.00 is a little pricey, but I'm planning on adding one to my tools.

[IRONMAN 2525]

Just wanted to say the price is $45.00 not $50.00. The $5.00 for the 500 upgrade is for
people which bought a press before Oct. 2011.Not shown in the photo, but is included
for $45.00 now. Wish I could make them cheaper, but almost not worth the bother. Best Regards!
Bob Yauger

[Ah Clem]

I am not a fan of torque tubes, but I seem to be accumulating more and more machines that have them (Trex 700E, Fusion, Chaos 600E, Trex 450 Pro, etc.).

After spending one or two frustrating evenings attempting to remove the bearings from the plastic gears, without damaging those bearings, I purchased the Precision Heli tool. Yes, it was expensive, but it makes life a lot easier and reduces the profanity when changing out torque tubes/gears.

Worth every penny, IMHO.

[IRONMAN 2525]

OK, as another option I have added another version for one model only for $30.00 +
shipping first class mail for around $2.50. You can choose 450, 500 or 550,600,700
when you place the order, email the model you wish. Hope this helps.
Bob Yauger