Just saw a guy use a transmission jack as a mini press today

I stopped by that independent shop off 40th street in Tulsa to grab a part and watched one of their techs press wheel bearings on a work bench with a transmission jack and a old socket. He lined everything up, pumped the jack slow, and the bearing slid right on no sweat. Has anyone else rigged up something weird instead of buying a shop press?

3 comments

3 Comments

riveradams15d ago

Line everything up and pumped the jack slow" - that actually worked clean? Man, I would've been half expecting that bearing to launch across the shop or the whole setup to tip over.

riley_taylor14d ago

That bearing would have taken out a window or your kneecap if it let go. I'm wondering though, did he have any kind of safety chain wrapped around that thing, or was he just trusting the jack not to slip sideways? Because I've seen a floor jack slide off a greasy hub before and it's not pretty.

jana11914d ago

Oh man, I feel you on that. It is scary when you're using something not meant for the job and hoping it doesn't fly apart. I've definitely been there with some sketchy setups in my own garage. You just cross your fingers and go slow, and sometimes it works out fine. But that feeling of waiting for something to explode is the worst. I'm glad it worked out for that guy, but I'd be holding my breath the whole time too.