Vermeer 252 axle shaft Bearing Question

[Hammer Toe]

I'm trying to replace the axle shaft bearings on my Vermeer 252 stump grinder. I cannot seem to find a way to remove the shoulder bolt from the collar wheel lock. It has a hex bolt head which immediately stripped, and while the bolt is 3/8, the nut is 5/16. So, it seems the bolt reduces at the nut end. I've tried everything I can think of and cannot get the bolt to move in the least. I'm currently trying to drill in out, but the bolt is proving to be extremely difficult to cut through. Has anyone removed these before? Is there something I'm missing? All input appreciated.

 

[lone wolf]

I'm trying to replace the axle shaft bearings on my Vermeer 252 stump grinder. I cannot seem to find a way to remove the shoulder bolt from the collar wheel lock. It has a hex bolt head which immediately stripped, and while the bolt is 3/8, the nut is 5/16. So, it seems the bolt reduces at the nut end. I've tried everything I can think of and cannot get the bolt to move in the least. I'm currently trying to drill in out, but the bolt is proving to be extremely difficult to cut through. Has anyone removed these before? Is there something I'm missing? All input appreciated.

Try heat?

 

[Hammer Toe]

Haven't yet, kind of trying to avoid sparking the torch if at all possible...

 

[lone wolf]

Haven't yet, kind of trying to avoid sparking the torch if at all possible...

Always works for me cover the tank with water soaked rags.

 

[Hammer Toe]

Ok. Much appreciated. Going to give it a shot.

 

[lone wolf]

Ok. Much appreciated. Going to give it a shot.

If that dont do it you are in trouble.

 

[Hammer Toe]

Tried heating the bolt and the collar several times and beat the daylights out of it with a punch. No movement at all. Moving on to acetylene now…Might just have to cut the axle out and buy new. I've changed out bearings on essentially every kind of farm machinery for the last 40+ years. Never encountered this.

 

[lone wolf]

Tried heating the bolt and the collar several times and beat the daylights out of it with a punch. No movement at all. Moving on to acetylene now…Might just have to cut the axle out and buy new. I've changed out bearings on essentially every kind of farm machinery for the last 40+ years. Never encountered this.

I meant oxyaceteline.

 

[066blaster]

Tried heating the bolt and the collar several times and beat the daylights out of it with a punch. No movement at all. Moving on to acetylene now…Might just have to cut the axle out and buy new. I've changed out bearings on essentially every kind of farm machinery for the last 40+ years. Never encountered this.

I bought a used 252 and have the same problem. Everything is tight!!! The guy left it outside all the time. I wonder if they locktite everything when they build them or if they just rust tight. Torch and breaker bar for everything.

 

[lone wolf]

Last resort, an air grinder with cut off wheel just cut it apart and buy new. This is how I have done a few when all else failed.

 

[066blaster]

I put anti seize on everything I take apart on mine

 

[lone wolf]

I put anti seize on everything I take apart on mine

Too bad the factory dont.

 

[stumper63]

I've driven a couple of them out, but man did it take some time, thought I was gonna bend/break the axle. It's a really hard shoulder bolt so couldn't drill out. Didn't have heat available, but managed both times w/ perseverance. It's nearly a press fit into the axle. It's a weak point in design, because once it wears the drive train gets loosey goosey, so they purposely make it a tight fit, but nearly impossible to get off sometimes. Let it soak in penetrating oil, may help.

Stumper63

 

[CalTreeEquip]

I cut the bearings off. I replace the whole jack shaft and bearings. It's cheaper if you consider the time it takes to try and save the shaft. That way you don't have to take that shaft apart at all.