Old Britts – Crank Case Bearing Removal
Download the complete PDF version using the green download button at the top right of this page for an Old Britts workshop article covering a simple method of removing Norton Commando crankcase Superblend bearings without using a household oven. Written by Fred Eaton, this practical guide explains how a kerosene space heater can be used to heat the crankcase evenly so the bearing drops free from the housing with minimal effort.
The article begins by describing the use of a common kerosene workshop heater, noting that the method avoids heating the family oven while also warming the workshop during winter maintenance sessions. The crankcase halves are thoroughly cleaned before being placed on top of the heater with a steel plate positioned underneath to catch the bearing when it releases from the housing.
Further sections explain how the same heating method can also be used during bearing installation. The article describes flipping the heated crankcase over, inserting shims behind the timing-side bearing where required and gently tapping the bearing back into place once the housing reaches temperature. Fred Eaton also explains why he prefers this shimming arrangement over placing shims between the bearing inner race and crank cheek.
Contents Include
- Removing Norton Commando Superblend crank bearings
- Using a kerosene heater instead of a household oven
- Preparing and cleaning the crankcase halves
- Heating the crankcase evenly before bearing removal
- Using a steel plate to catch the bearing safely
- Installing bearings using the same heating method
- Timing-side bearing shim installation notes
- Preferred shimming method explanation
- Workshop heating advantages during winter maintenance
- Illustrated photographs of the bearing removal setup
