Cutting Off a Stuck Rear Hub

[ri702bill 10,951]

All:

The C81 I purchased from @Sparky this summer had a rear that had walked inward and I could not get it loose with my puller; in fact I cracked the flange while attempting to do so.

 

 

I planned on using my HFT Portable Bandsaw to cut the hub, but the flange diameter was greater than the saw's 5 inch throat opening. Snapped the broken flange piece with a large Crescent wrench, now the saw fits. Supported th hub with a jack to help keep it from rotating the axle and the plan was to cut thru the hub at the top of the keyway - and not touch the axle itself. A little more cleanup and the entire top of the keyway was exposed. Used my puller to remove it - got to love that "Snap" sound when it finally breaks free. Damaged the Woodruff Key in the process Used the Vise Grip / Slide Hammer to convince it to leave...

 



Edited November 26, 2025 by ri702bill

[ebinmaine 76,471]

Good idea on the bandsaw. I hope I never have to remember that. I cut one off using a Sawzall once. That was fun.

[ri702bill 10,951]

40 minutes ago, ebinmaine said:

That was fun.

About as much fun as going to the Dentist & the DMV on the same day...

Really quick cutting the cast iron when you use a new 10-14 TPI staggered tooth blade. That saw has nice control & variable speed.

There has been various folks that mentioned cutting a hub off; I figured I'd post it - with pictures.

[ri702bill 10,951]

The input shaft key was in good shape, but I needed to remove it to change the seal. It did not want to budge. Used my Hydraulic ProPress plumbing crimper to squeeze down on the inside end - the front popped up enough to pry the heel on the key up & out. Super easy.

[Lee1977 7,499]

Some times they don't come off in one piece. This one wasn't broken but I broke two pullers and it never moved. Used a sawall on both sides and a chisel to finish braking it off.