How to Use a Pulley Puller & How it Works?
A pulley puller is mostly used to either install or remove a part such as gears, pulleys, bearings, and sprockets from original equipment. Precision and the right tools are critical to getting the job done accurately.
When a machine is manufactured, these parts are completely pressed into place, which makes it pretty difficult to remove anything by hand.
In other words, you would need to know how to use a pulley puller to remove any of these parts.
What Is a Pulley Puller?
This refers to a particular string of tools in which the primary function is to remove or install mechanical parts that are permanently pressed into a machine or shaft.
The tool has about two to three legs, which encircles the internal or back part with a forcing screw found right at the end of the shaft. It’s this particular screw that exerts the right amount of force that helps remove the pulley with minimal time and effort.
This would mostly be used in the removal or installation of automotive or mechanical pulleys, gears, and bearings, which are used for both consumer and industrial applications.
Basically, pulley pullers are engineered in such a way that it can easily grab into or hold firmly on round parts that have no pre-designed leverage or grab points.
Thus, it enables easy manual manipulation or removal. This makes it practically easy and hassle-free to get the pulleys off without putting much strain on your hands.
How Does a Pulley Puller Work?
The pulley puller works mainly by using the strength of a hydraulic machine to compensate for the weakness of a human hand. It takes the complication and audacity out of the picture, thus making it really simple to repair or install a pulley.
This tool helps provide a secure grip to pull or loosen a part without damaging the machine.
Types of Pulley Pullers
- Hydraulic pullers
- Manual jaw pullers
- Pneumatic pullers
- Harmonic pullers
- Slide Hammer pullers
- Bar type pullers
- Push/Pull pullers
There are other types or designs of pulley pullers that are used for different machine applications. As such, for automotive applications, such pullers are meant to work on specific parts only and custom-fitted to parts with limited space for secure gripping.
There are also pullers that are designated for universal use or specifically used for certain machine manufacturers and not for different kinds of parts.
Jaw Style Pulley
Regardless of its universal use and limitations, the finest pulley puller in the market today remains to be the jaw style pulley puller.
For one, the tool is very versatile or adjustable for different machines and uses. This is incredibly a huge help for repair personnel who are looking for a tool that is flexible enough to work in different environments, components, and machines.
These tools are used widely for commercial ships or freight forwarders and for paper and steel production that makes use of heavy-duty or large equipment.
Power Steering Pulley
These would require a pulley puller to remove it because the pulleys are usually pressed securely into the pump shafts. This cannot be removed manually because it’s firmly planted with friction.
The puller used for this machine isn’t the usual pullers that have jaws but is designed to fit with the power steering pulley.
How to Use a Pulley Puller
- Get to Know the Parts
You can’t possibly use any tool that you don’t know. Educating yourself with the components and functions of a pulley puller is important in using this tool.
The pulley puller is made up of two parts – the metal sleeve which retains the collar and the threaded bolt, which functions as the puller.
- Assemble
In order to fit on the puller, you have to insert the part that projects in an inward manner just right below the pulley. Next, join the two parts to tighten the pump shaft.
Place the metal sleeve right over the ring. Push the end of the bolt found in the interior of the pump shaft. Do this until the rounded end touches the shaft of the pulley. Tighten the grip.
Now, place the wrench right at the bottom or end of the threaded puller. Use a ratchet on the top side of the puller. Next, tighten the bolt and nut parts by screwing the puller in place at the bottom part. Doing this should move or position the pulley off the pump shaft.
Position the pulley in such a way that it is placed squarely on the pump shaft. To do this, use the bolt nut that is included in the puller kit.
Place the bolt directly into the internal threading of the pump shaft and securely screw them together in such a way that the bolt is positioned touching the lower surface.
Rotate the nut assembly with the bolt in order to push the pulley downwards. The nut assembly would stop moving once the pulley has completely moved downwards.
When this happens, it’s time to remove the pulley assembly. Check if the pulley is flush or at the same level as that of the pump shaft.
Removing the Pulley from Alternators and Power Steering Pumps of Vehicles
The use of the pulley puller helps remove pressed-on pulleys from power steering pumps and alternators without damaging the machine. This tool is versatile and can fit small and large pulleys for older vehicle types.
Also, this tool has adjustable jaws. In fact, it’s specially designed with four-threaded holes to allow wide and narrow jaw positions. In order to lock the jaws into place, the alternator and power steering pulleys are removed, and thumb screws are adjusted on the sides.
End Words
Pulley pullers are a handyman’s ally or best friend. It’s a staple in their toolkit. If you are fond of DIY, then you would need to use a pulley puller. The uses of this tool vary greatly and can be used for different manufacturing or shipping industries.
It helps repair professionals to remove or install a part that was originally pressed into or assembled by powerful machinery. Just imagine how a pulley puller is able to pull off this trick without using heavy equipment.
