'93 fwd impreza rear wheel bearing stuck

[subaru86]

I'm working on a 1993 Impreza L front-wheel drive automatic. Going to replace a rear wheel bearing, where you replace the whole hub/bearing assembly. Took out the assembly, but the inner race separated out and stayed stuck on the spindle.

 

The race won't turn on the spindle, and there doesn't seem to be enough of a crack to wedge in a screwdriver and drive it down the spindle, and nothing else to grab hold of.

 

I'd be grateful for any suggestions.

[WoodsWagon]

Well, the only way I've ever done it is fairly dangerous, so be warned.

 

EYE PROTECTION IS A MUST

 

Take a cut off wheel and cut a diagonal cut across the race. Try not to cut into the hub. Do like a 30 degree diagonal, shallow enough that you get a good cut into the outer face. Put the hub in a vice, gripping it between the studs. Put a chisel in the cut you made, put a rag over the area, and split the race with the hammer and chisel. Once you crack the race, it will slide right off.

[dave833]

I concur- last time I cut off a race I used a Dremel with a reinforced cutoff wheel. Pretty hard on the dremel, but a smaller cutoff wheel (1.25") means less chance of damaging the spindle or hub.

[subaru86]

I took the spindle with the stuck race to a shop, and that's what he did--cut into it with a rotary cutter a couple of times, then drove it off with a chisel. There was a ton of red sparks. The new hub/bearing went on fine after that.

 

Thanks for the guidance.