Bearings are often pressed tight against a shoulder on a shaft, leaving no gap for a standard jaw puller. A bearing splitter features two heavy steel halves with sharp, tapered edges. You bolt the halves together behind the bearing, forcing the wedges under the inner race. Then, connect a puller yoke to the splitter's side bolts to pull the bearing off the shaft. This distributes the pull force evenly, preventing damage to the delicate bearing rollers.
Mechanic Glossary
Bearing Splitter
A wedge-shaped puller attachment that inserts behind bearings or gears to allow safe removal when clearance is too tight for normal puller jaws.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you clamp the splitter only on the outer race, it can damage the internal bearings. Only reuse the bearing if you pull it by the inner race.
Use a wrench to tighten the side nuts evenly. This ensures the two wedge halves slide under the bearing parallel to each other.
Splitters are sold by capacity. A small 2-inch splitter is perfect for alternator bearings, while a 4-inch or 6-inch splitter is needed for rear axle bearings.