Removing Fan Hub- No puller- 81 AC Vanagon

[stanleyvanagon]

Can anyone explain what is going on in this picture? I am trying to read up on how to remove my fan hub without a puller, this seems to be the answer but I can't really tell exactly what is going on.

Anyone wanna explain it to me...any other methods?

[djkeev]

I've never seen an 81 air cooled fan hub, but it is obvious that metal plates are being used to distribute the force of pushing off the hub.

Without the steel the hub seal seat area would be badly and irreversibly damaged.

The hub obviously has female threads in it.

Long bolts are being used to push against the steel and push off the hub.

It looks like the bolt has some sort of thick washer between the bolt end and the steel.

Quite clever idea actually!
I love simple solutions for every day problems.

Dave
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Ghia
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=392473

Vanagon
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=6315537#6315537

Beetle
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=482968&highlight=74+super+vert

[Randy in Maine]

You will soon find out why a gear puller is such a good $25 investment.

[djkeev]

[Randy in Maine]

Steering wheel/harmonic balancer puller actually. AutoBone will let you borrow theirs.

As you start to put pressure on it, give that center a good rap with a hammer and punch.

http://www.harborfreight.com/Bolt-Type-Wheel-Puller-Set-69889.html

[windnsea]

It appears the engine is out of the vehicle. Are you going to fully disassemble it? The reason that I ask is that in your pics you are pulling against the engine case. In reality, IIRC, you are actually pulling against the thrust bearing surface inside the engine. If you are going for a rebuild and will be replacing this bearing, then no problem; if not, you might want to go the gear puller route.

I've always soaked hard to release bushings by soaking with penetrating oil overnight and then heating up the outer collar with a heat/hair gun to expand the metal just a little little bit.

...got to get it ready for the late spring/summer trips!

[Wildthings]

[stanleyvanagon]

Thanks, this technique actually worked quite well, slow even turns against a steep plate and the hub came out easily....and yes, I'm doing a full rebuild and will be putting in a new oil seal.