Mechanic Glossary

Gear Puller

A mechanical tool with adjustable arms and a central lead screw used to pull press-fit pulleys, gears, or bearings off a shaft.

A gear puller is a universal tool used to remove press-fit parts like gears, pulleys, and bearings from shafts. These components are pressed on with tight tolerances, making them impossible to slide off by hand. The gear puller uses a central threaded screw (forcing screw) and adjustable jaws (hooks) to grip the back of the part and draw it off the shaft smoothly.

Pullers come in two-jaw or three-jaw configurations. A three-jaw puller is preferred because it distributes the pulling force evenly around the gear, reducing the risk of bending the pulley or cocking the part on the shaft. When using the tool, make sure the jaws are hooked securely and the center screw is aligned straight with the shaft. Tighten the screw slowly, and if the part is stuck, tap the end of the screw with a hammer to shock the joint loose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Use a two-jaw puller when space is limited. In tight engine bays, there may not be room to clear three jaws, making a two-jaw puller the only tool that fits.
Place a small metal protector cap, a flat washer, or a spare nut over the end of the shaft. This prevents the hardened steel tip of the puller screw from mushrooming or boring into the softer shaft metal.
The jaws are not aligned correctly, or the shoulder of the gear is too thin to grip. Make sure the puller is centered, and use a hose clamp wrapped around the jaws to hold them tight against the gear if necessary.
Steering wheels require a specific steering wheel puller. Steering wheel hubs have threaded holes for bolts, rather than an outer rim that jaws can grip.
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