What Is a Bearing Separator?
A bearing separator (bearing splitter) is a tool used to remove ball bearings and roller bearings, usually in combination with a dedicated bearing puller.
When the jaws of a standard bearing puller struggle to catch onto the bearing, a bearing separator’s separating blade (wedge-shaped edge) is inserted between the bearing’s inner ring and the shaft plane. This creates a gap, facilitating the separation of the bearing from the shaft and making it easier to remove the bearing.
The separating blade is sometimes called a “separating jaw” or “jaw.”
Uses of Bearing Separators
Bearing separators are tools specialized for removing bearings, etc., and their use is limited. They may also be used to remove gears and other parts from shafts.
If the jaws of a bearing puller with jaws are difficult to engage and the gap is narrow, the bearing separators have a thin separating blade that can bite firmly and securely remove the bearing. However, there must be enough space around the bearing to install the bearing separators.
The wedge shape of the separator blade has two sides: a sloped side and an unsloped side. The sloped side is installed facing the bearing, creating a gap between the bearing and the shaft plane for separation. The separating blade can then be removed and the bearing separator can be reassembled with the non-graded side facing the bearing side. This ensures that the bearing can be removed.
How to Select Bearing Separators
The following points should be considered when selecting bearing separators:
- Bearing Outer Diameter
Since the size of the bearing separators varies depending on the size of the corresponding bearing outer diameter, select a part number that is compatible with the bearing separators. In some bearing separator catalogs, the term “grippable diameter” is used to indicate the maximum size of the separator blades that can be opened. Select a bearing separator after confirming that the outer diameter of the bearing is within the diameter that can be accommodated. - Guaranteed Load
Guaranteed load is the load applied to the belling separator when it is pulled out, and it is important to use it within this load. - Others
Since bearing separators cannot usually be worked by themselves, it is convenient to select one that comes in a set with a dedicated bearing puller when used for the first time. Some pullers are also available as a set that can be used with a jaw-type bearing puller, allowing them to be used in a variety of situations.