Opinion on 6-ton shop press for installing rear bearings

[MoPar~Man]

I'm thinking of buying one of these (new) off e-bay for about $140 (same as $100 USD). For pushing new (taper) bearings onto my rear axle (8 3/4) shafts after I take the old ones off. I know this press is not tall enough, but it will sit on a bench with a hole for the shaft. Just wondering if "6 tons" is enough. The pusher plate + rod looks like it might be a little wobbly? Is the jack free-floating on these, or is it welded (or bolted) on either top or bottom or both?

 

[bigmoparjeff]

The jacks usually just sit in place on these style presses. The top plate likely has a cup welded to it that centers the jack ram.

6 tons is on the light side for doing the bearings. If you have an average size shaft and an average size bearing, it will probably work. If bad luck pairs a slightly larger shaft with a slightly smaller bearing, it may not get the job done. I had a real tight one a little while back where the lock ring actually split after it was pressed on and I had to buy another bearing to get a new ring.


Jeff

 

[Big_John]

I use a 12 ton press. I know you don't have Harbor Freight in Canada, but here's what I use. https://www.harborfreight.com/12-ton-h-frame-floor-shop-press-70604.html

That 6 ton press might work just fine, but the rule of thumb with presses is to "always get the bigger one".

The one you've pictured is also too short, although you can block it up. That makes it a little shaky though and I wouldn't recommend that. You could also make a hole in the bench its on, that would be sturdier, but it also kind of messes up your bench.