Easy Cutlass/Cutless Bearing Removal

[Unchained]

Hey guys. I just removed my Cutlass bearings a few weeks ago and had to create this post to show a great method for doing this.
If you have access to a hydraulic knockout punch set, this is the way to go. My bearings are 1.75" O.D., so a 1" knockout punch works perfect for this because it measures approx. 1.72" O.D. It seats right on the bearing and is small enough to slide easily through the strut. A little grease too, just in case. You have to go through about 5 pump cycles while retightening the nut each time, but it's so easy. I was amazed. Oh yeah, you will need to buy a 18"-24" piece of 3/4-16 threaded rod, because the typical set uses one that is about 7". The pieces used on the receiving end of the bearing were three 1 1/2" couplings held together with the hose clamps shown.
Check out the pics and let me know what you guys think.
Take care,
Mike

[alexander38]

Nice , do you have a intermediate strut between the main and shaft log ?

[Unchained]

No, it's just a single strut setup.
Mike

[larryeddington]

Basically same way I did it but you have the luxury of hydraulic. I just used an all rod and tractor busings ground down a few thousandths. But Hydraulic is easier for sure.