Apparatus and method for repairing a wheel bearing cage

A method for repairing dented bearing cages using an apparatus comprising:

• a first contact surface for contacting an outer diameter of the bearing cage;
• a second contact surface for contacting an inner diameter of the bearing cage;
• a first handle;
• a second handle operatively connected to said first handle via a pivot mechanism;
• a retraction element connected to said second contact surface, said retraction element retracting upon movement of said second handle relative to said first handle to move said second contact surface towards said first contact surface so as to impart a force against a dented region of said bearing cage located between said second contact surface and said first contact surface;
• and
• an adjustment mechanism for adjusting an initial position of said second contact surface relative to said first contact surface, thereby providing adjustable clearance between said second contact surface and said first contact surface for various bearing cage dimensions, said method comprising:
• performing calibration by placing the first contact surface against an outer diameter of said bearing cage at a non-damaged region of said bearing cage and adjusting position of said second contact surface so that the second contact surface contacts an inner diameter of said bearing cage;
• repositioning said first and second contact surfaces to a damaged region of said bearing cage;
• and
• moving said second handle relative to said first handle to cause said first and second contact surfaces to exert a straightening force of said damaged region.

An apparatus for repairing dented bearing cages of generally cylindrical shape, comprising:

• a fixed anvil that forms a first contact surface having a curved contour configured for contacting an outer diameter of the generally cylindrical bearing cage;
• a lip insert that forms a second contact surface having a curved contour configured for contacting an inner diameter of the generally cylindrical bearing cage;
• a first handle;
• a second handle operatively connected to said first handle via a pivot mechanism;
• a draw bar connected to said lip insert, said draw bar retracting upon movement of said second handle relative to said first handle to pull said lip insert towards said fixed anvil so as to impart a force against a dented region of said bearing cage located between said lip insert and said fixed anvil;
• and
• an adjustment mechanism for adjusting an initial position of said lip insert relative to said fixed anvil, thereby providing adjustable clearance between said lip insert and said fixed anvil for various bearing cage dimensions,
• wherein said first contact surface and said second contact surface are configured to exert a force on said generally cylindrical bearing cage to impart a desired curve to a dented region of said bearing cage.