Removing a pulley from a washing machine motor without a puller

Quite often, DIYers give a second life to an old washing machine motor by using it in DIY projects. In this case, you need to remove the motor from the washing machine housing and disconnect the pulley. Let's look at how to remove the part and what tools you'll need. Is a puller necessary, or can you do it without one?

Removing the pulley using available tools

Removing the motor from the washing machine housing is very simple. To do this, you need to disconnect the wiring that powers the motor and unscrew a couple of bolts that secure it. Removing the pulley from the motor without a puller can be a bit tricky. A special tool will make the task easier, so it's always a good idea to have one on hand.

If you don't have a puller, you'll first need to cut the rivets securing the front cover of the washing machine's electric motor. This can be done with a drill bit of the appropriate diameter. Once the fasteners are removed, remove the motor housing section using a flat-head screwdriver.

After this, you can proceed to dismantling the pulley. If you don't have a puller, you'll have to cut the engine pulley with a grinder.

It's important to proceed with extreme caution to avoid damaging the shaft. Otherwise, the motor will become unusable.

The electric motor pulley is cut diagonally with a grinder so as not to touch the inner shaft.

After making a cut in the pulley, use a thin screwdriver to pry the element out. It should snap, producing a distinctive click. Next, pull the cut part off the inner shaft.

This method is quite risky. The risk of damaging the washing machine's motor shaft is very high. One careless movement of the hand or a little too much pressure, and the grinder will cut through not only the pulley but also the material underneath. Therefore, proceed with extreme caution.

After removing the pulley, clean the shaft of rust. If necessary, replace or lubricate the motor bearing. After this, the washing machine's electric motor can be used for DIY projects, such as building a milling machine, lathe, grain crusher, etc.

Let's choose the right puller

There's no guarantee you'll be able to safely remove a pulley from the engine without a puller. The risk of cutting the associated shaft remains. Therefore, it's recommended to purchase a special tool. A puller isn't that expensive, and it's definitely a useful tool to have around the house.

For example, you can consider the two-jaw puller TechMash. The tool is suitable for dismantling external bearings, as well as removing pulleys and gears from shafts. The movable jaw design with a pair of clamping bolts allows for secure holding of the workpiece. The working body is 150 mm long.

The TechMash puller's compact jaw is ideal for working in tight spaces. The stop bolt is equipped with a handle, a conical centering support, and a fine-pitch thread.

The tool is made of high-strength carbon steel using precision casting. The working surface of the puller is protected from corrosion by a special zinc coating. The price of the TechMash puller is approximately $7.60.

Consider the BM two-jaw bearing puller with a locking device. This versatile tool can be used not only for washing machine repairs but also for car repairs. This compact device can also be used to remove pulleys from shafts.

The BM puller is equipped with two jaws. This allows for secure clamping of the part and ensures even load distribution. This feature ensures safe operation and prevents damage to the element being removed.

Thanks to the sliding design with a lock, the position of the BM puller's legs can be changed as easily and quickly as possible, which significantly simplifies the work process.

The BM puller is 100 mm long. Its compact size makes it ideal for removing small components in tight spaces. The brand guarantees the tool's quality and durability. The product costs approximately $7.30.

Another option worth considering is the three-jaw puller from FALCO. The brand offers a reliable tool that can be used to remove outer bearings, gears, and pulleys from shafts. Features:

• has three grips;
• the body is made of high-strength steel;
• can withstand heavy loads.

The compact FALCO puller allows you to carefully remove the pulley from your washing machine's motor. This tool ensures safe removal, preventing any damage to the parts. The steel pulley is 75 mm long and costs around $5.50.

Another three-jaw tool is the Deli DL-S3 puller. It's also suitable for pressing out bearings, pulleys, rings, or gears from shafts. This versatile tool can be used to remove parts from washing machines, cars, and more.

The Deli DL-S3 mechanical puller will ensure that neither the part being removed nor the adjacent surfaces are damaged.

The Deli DL-S3 puller is made of durable, heat-treated grade 45 steel. This ensures increased strength, reliability, and wear resistance. Detailed specifications:

• working stroke of the bolt is 75 mm;
• outer diameter 15-80 mm;
• inner diameter 30-60 mm.

A universal puller costs about $6.50. This tool is a must-have. It ensures secure holding of the component being removed, even load distribution, and safe removal.

The Sparta 525205 triple puller can also become an indispensable tool at home, in the workshop, or in the garage. It is designed for quickly removing various parts: bearings, bushings, pulleys, rings, gears, and other rotating components. This tool will easily remove even rusted or seized components without the risk of deforming them.

The Sparta 525205 mechanical puller is suitable for both external and internal disassembly. Other advantages include:

• the body is made of high-strength carbon steel grade 45;
• three rotating double-sided grippers allow you to dismantle a part of any shape;
• The puller's power bolt has a hexagonal tip.

The maximum working width of the Sparta 525205 is 75 mm. The universal puller costs only about $4.90. The manufacturer provides a full year warranty on the tool.

Therefore, if you need to remove a pulley from a washing machine's motor, it's best to use a puller. It should be compact, as the part being removed and the shaft attached to it are small. Using a grinder is quite risky. However, if you're confident in your abilities and don't want to invest in additional tools, try carefully sawing the motor pulley apart.

   

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