knucke shim/bearing question?

[LSUfj]

I might be doing this wrong, so I thought I would get some input. I am in the middle of a mini disc conversion and am setting preload on the trunion bearings. I am familiar with how to go about achieving the correct preload, but here is my question:

When you have incorrect preload, what is the best way to disassemble in order to try a different sized shim?

From my very limited experience, as you tighten the steering arm down, the bearing gets "pressed" onto the steering arm inside the knuckle. If I need to remove the steering arm, it requires quite a bit of work to get off since the bearing is holding it on the knuckle. I worry that when I try to remove it, the bearing will be ruined if it isnt done with care (dont ask how I know).

Thanks in advance for the input.

 

[3_puppies]

I've only had one stick to the arm and that was on dissassmbly of an old axle, usually the arm slips right out of the bearing, not a press fit.

 

[vk7ybi]

I made a tool that goes inside the housing to push the steering arm out of the bearing.. Its a PITA to have to do, so to speed the shim thickness selection up a few steps I evenly tightened the steering arm nuts with just the flat washers till I got correct preload, with no shims in there, then measured the gap with a feeler gauge.. I might be able to get a pic of the tool I built if you need it for ideas..

 

[LSUfj]

Ok. Looks like maybe my bearings are just sticking to the steering arm and the lower piece, whatever its called. I guess I should clean up the arm a little, and be sure to grease it. When I pulled it out yesterday, the insides of the bearing came out the top with it (whoops). New bearing is on the way, I shouldnt have to do this again for a while, since I know which shim I need to use now. Thanks for the input guys!

 

[rob4wd]

i've damaged new bearings on dissassembly.-you are not alone!