I was wondering if anyone can give me an idea how best to replace the brass bearings on the postwar parallel-plate motor? I figure you just drill out the old one and press in the new ones. Don't want to damage the new one with the press-in so wondering if you have an idea. Also, wondering if the bearings need 'staked' on the inside which will require disassembly of the plate rivets?
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You can either drill them out, or punch them out from the opposite side bearing hole. The bearings should be a press fit, and should not need to be staked. A proper sized reamer should be run through the new bearings to fix any out of round condition caused by installation. Run the reamer in through one bearing and out the bearing on the other side to "line ream" them. This will insure that the bearing holes are in line with each other and the axle will not bind.
Larry
Thanks TrainLarry,
Your reply was very helpful. What is the best way to take apart the parallel plates? I was thinking I would need to press them apart but don't have the tool.
There is no reason to take the plates apart if you are just replacing the bearings. Drill out or punch out the old bearings and press the new ones in. The press fit keeps them in place. Back up each plate properly as you press in the bearings so you do not bend the plates while pressing in the bearings.
Larry
Does the punch out / press in advice apply to all motors?
I looked at some of the Postwar steam engine motors in my junk drawer. Many of them have the bearings installed from the inside (center), and are staked on the outside. The ones that have the bearings installed from the outside are staked inside.
Some motors have irregular shaped bearings (but they aren't brass)
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