11
Inner Bowl Bearing Replacement
With the bowl removed, upper bowl bearings can be serviced.
This job requires a set of retaining ring plyers, safety glasses and the proper replacement bearings. The
bearings used here are 6009 bearings with double seals. These are available from Onfloor, part number
245666. It is very important to wear the safety glasses especially when removing and installing the
retaining rings. If you do not have retaining ring plyers they can be purchased at Lowes, Home Depot,
Harbor Freight, and other tool stores for about $20.
The steps to remove the inner bowl are covered on page 10 so we will address what to do after removal
is accomplished.
When replacing the bearings in the top of the Inner Bowl there are some things that should be pointed
out to insure longer life and better performance. The first has to do with the method used to remove
and install the new bearing. Remove the retaining ring and proceed to the steps below.
Installation Using a Press
The best method to remove and install new bearings is to take the inner bowl assembly to a hydraulic
press and press the bearings in and out. When using this method, it is important to properly support the
cast aluminum bowl so as to prevent cracking the casting. This is accomplished by supporting the casting
as close as possible to the center while allowing room for the bearings to exit. See illustration A. When
pressing the old bearings out it is acceptable to use almost any device as a pushing tool as long as it will
fit through the center opening without touching the casting. This means a piece of metal tubing or rod
or even a piece of wood that will fit through a 2-
11/16” diameter hole. We do not need to be cautious
about damaging the old bearings to remove.
When installing the new bearings, first clean the surface of the opening where the bearings are to enter.
Support the casting properly (See illustration A on page 12). Use a pusher device that will contact the
OUTER RACE. It is important that you do NOT press on the inner race to install the bearings. This will
damage the bearings and shorten their life. The best choice for a pushing tool is a round rod/pipe or
piece of wood that is just under 3” diameter that will pass through the 2.95” opening in the casting.
Many people find a large socket that makes contact with the outer race but fits through the opening.
The first bearing must be pressed all the way down to the bottom of the cavity, followed by the spacer
ring
(you don’t want to forget this) then, finally the last bearing. When properly installed the last bea
ring
will be below the retaining ring groove and the retaining ring should go in easily.
Installation without a Press
When using this method, use a short piece of wood and a mallet/hammer to drive the old bearings from
the cast inner bowl. I suggest wood to prevent causing damage to the casting during this step. Support
the casting on 2 blocks of 2 x 4 or 4 x 4 lumber (see illustration on page 12). We don’t have to be
cautious about damaging the old bearings. When installing the new bearings, first clean the surface of
the opening where the bearings are to enter. Turn the bowl over and rest its center on a short block of 4
x 4 lumber. (See illustration A on page 12). Place the first bearing in the center opening and place a flat
piece of wood or steel across the top of the bearing. It is important that you drive the bearing in straight
AND that you do this by applying force to the outer race. It is OK that the flat steel or wood is contacting
the inner race as long as the outer race is also in contact. Tap the wood/steel plate with the hammer
and slowly drive the bearing until it is flush with the top of the casting. Now there are 2 ways to