Removing axles from F3 trucks?

[Fordiesel69]

Ok, lastly I am wondering if I press out the axles if the brass gear will be reusable.  Also what is the best way to do this without bending it?

[Fordiesel69]

Anyone?

[servoguy]

 I am about to replace the brass gear in a 2343 F-3.  However, someone has been in there before me, and so I think the wheels are loose on the axles.  Why are you taking it apart?  I removed a wheel from a dummy unit some years ago, and while I don't remember exactly how I did it, I am sure I did it with a punch and hammer.  Use a punch with a straight shank, not a center punch.  I don't recall that it was too difficult.

Bruce Baker

[Dub]

The wheels have to be punched out. A puller will break the wheel flange. I use a wide piece of a stiff banding material, slotted lengthwise to the center 1/4 inch from one edge ..  This is first pryed under the wheel.Then the truck is suspended in a vise  by the banding and punched out. I have two pieces and double them up when I have the space. They are handy as spacers when you press the wheel back on. It stops the easier wheel while you get the harder one into place. A trick learned when replacing slot car gears. To upgrade I replaced the antique bushings with sealed ball bearings 3/16  by 5/16. I used flangeless bearings. They are sold by RC hobby shops. Out of 8 installed I used Loctite on one to keep it in place.

The brass gear is not worth the risk of the work. The wheels break easily.

I m not sure of what you are afraid of bending?

When I ordered wheels and gears I got an axle that was offset . One side was larger than the other. I you have this weird axle it will only be removed in one direction.Mine was 3/16 th's all the way. It's a 2333.

[cwburfle]

Dub

The wheels have to be punched out. A puller will break the wheel flange

I've pulled plenty of wheels with a wheel puller, and have never damaged the flange of a sintered iron wheel.  I have accidentally crushed the cast-on gear when I was careless, and placed the tip of the jaw on the edge of the gear. Zamac wheels are a bit more delicate, but usually come off fine too.
I usually pull a wheel the same way one is supposed to use a tap. Turn it in about a quarter or half a turn at a time, back it off a bit, and turn it some more. Once the handle turns in easily, there is no need to continue the back off step.

In the Lionel service manual, Repairmen were warned to put something behind the jaws of the wheel puller when pulling 773 wheels.

The last wheel puller offered by Lionel has wider jaws than all the previous ones. IMHO, this spreads out the force, further reducing the possiblity of damage.

If the brass gear is in good shape, it can be re-used.

[lionelsoni]

When pulling a wheel, don't expect simply to turn the puller's screw until it comes off.  Tighten the screw a bit, then tap on the end with a hammer.  Then tighten again, and so on.

[Dub]

Thanks! Guys for the input. I will admit to using a nonstandard puller. I guess it comes to the right tool for the right job. 

On the reuse of the gear,these axles have three ribs to hold the gear. Is it advisable to set the gear the same way it came out or rotate it. Or am I splitting hairs and it makes no diference.

[Boxcar Bill]

lionelsoni

When pulling a wheel, don't expect simply to turn the puller's screw until it comes off.  Tighten the screw a bit, then tap on the end with a hammer.  Then tighten again, and so on.

 

As with any puller, Tap and Turn.