AMF headset bearing cup removal problem

[Bike from the Dead]

Does anyone have a method for removing headset bearing cups when they're butted up against the edge of this thicker portion of the headtube? I tried using my smallest punch to get these bearing cups out, but I just couldn't get it to work. I also tried using a thin screwdriver, but that didn't do any better.

 

[Kevin B]

I wonder if you could use an open end wrench and strike it from the underside?

 

[idiotboy]

small block of hard wood and a hammer, hit the outside edge

 

[Bike from the Dead]

small block of hard wood and a hammer, hit the outside edge

Worth a try. It won't damage the bearing cup, will it?

 

[Captain Awesome]

small block of hard wood and a hammer, hit the outside edge

^^^

I cut a notch in a block of wood that fits around the outside of the head tube and drive them out that way

 

[Bike from the Dead]

^^^

I cut a notch in a block of wood that fits around the outside of the head tube and drive them out that way

I could try that! Thanks!

 

[rickpaulos]

The cups are very sturdy. Bang away. The only reason to remove them is for new paint. I just took a vintage Murray apart an the frame was factory painted with the cups in place. Yes, paint in the cup where the ball bearings roll. I used to think the Chinese invented using paint as bearing lube but the BMA5 were doing that long ago.

 

[Bike from the Dead]

The cups are very sturdy. Bang away. The only reason to remove them is for new paint. I just took a vintage Murray apart an the frame was factory painted with the cups in place. Yes, paint in the cup where the ball bearings roll. I used to think the Chinese invented using paint as bearing lube but the BMA5 were doing that long ago.

My reason to remove them is because I have a better bike that needs them.

I've got a Murray frame with painted bearing cups too. I don't know if I got those cups out...

 

[Bike from the Dead]

I actually used @Kevin B's suggestion and used the biggest adjustable wrench I had handy to knock out the bearing cups. Worked like a charm! A few good whacks with the hammer, and they were both out! Thank you everyone for your advice! I now know what to do with hard-to-remove cups from now on.

 

[Kevin B]

I actually used @Kevin B's suggestion and used the biggest adjustable wrench I had handy to knock out the bearing cups. Worked like a charm! A few good whacks with the hammer, and they were both out! Thank you everyone for your advice! I now know what to do with hard-to-remove cups from now on.
View attachment 281520

That's a serious adjustable wrench

 

[Bike from the Dead]

That's a serious adjustable wrench

I'll have to ask Dad what he got such a big wrench for sometime. I call it the "I WASN'T ASKING!" wrench. I use it for those really stubborn nuts and bolts, and for freeing bottom bracket races from cranks.

 

[Da Gas Man]

That's a serious adjustable wrench

Or a really small hammer. Nah, that is one big m effing adjustable wrench. Need two hands
on that at all times to avoid personal injury.

 

[BDC]

 

[Bike from the Dead]

View attachment 281691

The first part of that meme is exactly what I was referencing, but the rest of that is GOLD!

 

[MattiThundrrr]

View attachment 281691

Lol that's going in the Tips n Tricks thread

 

[us56456712]

Does anyone have a method for removing headset bearing cups when they're butted up against the edge of this thicker portion of the headtube? I tried using my smallest punch to get these bearing cups out, but I just couldn't get it to work. I also tried using a thin screwdriver, but that didn't do any better.
View attachment 280957

You’re not using enough force and too small a hammer. Me, I don’t care what my bikes look like, their rats, so I would use a torch and jury rig up a bearing puller using a bunch of clamps to hold the frame and piece to press on.