Need help with a B20, Front Axle, Bevel Gear Shaft removal.

[ChilemanX4]

B20 4x4 HST

The bevel gear is item 60 in the second illustration . It goes through 70 and 10 on the first illustration. The top bearing is item 90 in the second illustration. In order to remove the bevel gear the service manual states,

1: Remove bevel support cover (not Illustrated, holds bottom bearing, item 50 Illustration #2)
2: Tap out the ball bearing from the bevel gear case
3: Remove the external snap ring"(item 80, Illustration #2)
4: Tap out the bevel gear shaft downward, and separate the bevel gear case from the front axle case.

I have removed the support cover. I am stuck on the tapping the ball bearing out. I don't have a good angle to tap it out. I hope the pictures provide perspective. I am looking for suggestions, method, special tool?

 

[mikester]

find one of these with a super magnet and a small hed?

 

[ChilemanX4]

Thanks, the bearing is still intact. I am trying to get pull the entire bearing out the top of the case.

 

[GeoHorn]

It appears a punch and mallet/hammer is going to be needed. (to tap it out from the inside of the case.)
A tie-rod fork might work as a punch. Borrow one from Auto Zone.

 

[Lil Foot]

Completely different design than my B7100, so no direct experience from me. The two things that come to mind are:
1) A strong magnet that will attach to a slide hammer- stick it on the bearing (pic#3) and pull it that way.
2) Make an "L" or maybe a fork out of brass or aluminum, set the ends on the outer bearing race from the inside of the case (pic#2) and tap it out from there. (sketch below)
In my limited experience, Kubota does not use heavy press fits for bearings and such, so you shouldn't need a lot of force. Once you break the initial stiction and oil "grab", it should come right out.
YMMV.

 

[ChilemanX4]

Got it! Thanks for the suggestions. I used a tie-rod fork and was able to get it to clear the top of the bevel shaft.