How do you remove a Rubicon locker acutuator?

[Alex0413]

I'm in the process of a re-gear, and unsure of how I press the bearing off the Rubicon locker where the actuator is. I have the proper tools (press, bearing separator, and yukon carrier bearing removal tool) but none of them will clear the actuator bolt brackets to get under the bearing so I can press/pull it off. How have you guys done this?

 

[mrblaine]

I'm in the process of a re-gear, and unsure of how I press the bearing off the Rubicon locker where the actuator is. I have the proper tools (press, bearing separator, and yukon carrier bearing removal tool) but none of them will clear the actuator bolt brackets to get under the bearing so I can press/pull it off. How have you guys done this?

View attachment 74926

YOu have to gently fold the ears down on the actuator so you can get the puller under the bearing. Or, they make a special puller that has cut outs for the ears.

 

[Alex0413]

YOu have to gently fold the ears down on the actuator so you can get the puller under the bearing. Or, they make a special puller that has cut outs for the ears.[/

You are the man! I'm going to bend the ears back and hopefully can get the bearing collar around it!

 

[Jerry Bransford]

You have to gently fold the ears down on the actuator so you can get the puller under the bearing. Or, they make a special puller that has cut outs for the ears.

The puller we used for mine didn't have the cutout, having to bend the ears down & up each time was not something I liked doing.

 

[jjvw]

If you don't care about the bearing, cut the cage off. The actuator will lift right off. Then pull the inner race off. I did this last week.

 

[mrblaine]

If you don't care about the bearing, cut the cage off. The actuator will lift right off. Then pull the inter race off. I did this last week.

We were just replacing the actuator.

 

[Alex0413]

Got it! Thanks guys!!!

 

[LONGJP2]

Any trouble getting the carrier out? Did you need a case spreader or anything?

 

[Rubicon John]

Please let us know how your re gear goes since everyone here seems to think you have to be a 20 year drive line veteran to re gear a TJ. I want to re gear mine and probably would have already if it wasn’t considered so difficult here.

 

[LONGJP2]

Not regearing, just replacing the front (locker) actuator.

Sounds like it's easier to get out than back in.

 

[Jerry Bransford]

Please let us know how your re gear goes since everyone here seems to think you have to be a 20 year drive line veteran to re gear a TJ. I want to re gear mine and probably would have already if it wasn’t considered so difficult here.

Regearing a TJ is no different than any other similar axle but with a Rubicon there's an extra must-know/use technique for reinstalling the carrier otherwise it gets hung up on the locker sensor.

 

[Jerry Bransford]

Any trouble getting the carrier out? Did you need a case spreader or anything?

No need for a spreader.

 

[Rubicon John]

Regearing a TJ is no different than any other similar axle but with a Rubicon there's an extra must-know/use technique for reinstalling the carrier otherwise it gets hung up on the locker sensor.

Is that the toothpick trick?

 

[Jerry Bransford]

Is that the toothpick trick?

Yes exactly

 

[Lou]

Please let us know how your re gear goes since everyone here seems to think you have to be a 20 year drive line veteran to re gear a TJ. I want to re gear mine and probably would have already if it wasn’t considered so difficult here.

Changing gears is actually really easy. It's getting them set up right and being able to interpret that they are set up right that takes some knowledge and skill.

 

[Vinman]

Please let us know how your re gear goes since everyone here seems to think you have to be a 20 year drive line veteran to re gear a TJ. I want to re gear mine and probably would have already if it wasn’t considered so difficult here.

I recently re-geared my Rubicon myself. First time ever re-gearing anything and with the help of this forum and a few Youtube videos I had no real issues. While tedious and many, many adjustments (pulled both carriers about 2 dozen times each) I was able to get a good gear pattern and both backlash and pinion preload were within spec when I was finished.
I checked the backlash so many times by the time I was finished I could estimate the BL within about 2 thou before using a dial indicator.
I have almost 3k on the re-gear and still quiet as can be. Initial fluid change at 500 miles showed nothing unexpected.

 

[Rubicon John]

Thanks for the words of encouragement guys. It seems the measurements/adjustments are the tedious parts rather than the installation itself.

 

[Jerry Bransford]

Thanks for the words of encouragement guys. It seems the measurements/adjustments are the tedious parts rather than the installation itself.

Exactly. Bolting the gears in is the easy part of the job.

 

[jjvw]

If you are patient and organized, go for it. I've helped on mine and a couple others. I would like to do my own when I move to 5.13 someday in the future.